How much does it cost to run a front-load washer?
A front-load washer costs about 7.8¢ a day, $2.37 a month and $28 a year at typical use (6 loads a week) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. Front loaders tumble clothes through a small amount of water, using about 0.3-0.6 kWh per load including water heating. Sanitize cycles with internal heaters can use 2-3 kWh.
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Cost to run a front-load washer in every state
The same front-load washer costs $20 a year in North Dakota and $69 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | $1.63 | $20 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | $1.67 | $20 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | $1.70 | $20 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | $1.71 | $21 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | $1.76 | $21 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | $1.76 | $21 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | $1.77 | $21 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | $1.79 | $21 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | $1.81 | $22 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | $1.83 | $22 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | $1.84 | $22 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | $1.84 | $22 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | $1.85 | $22 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | $1.86 | $22 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | $1.87 | $22 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | $1.87 | $22 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | $1.95 | $23 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | $1.95 | $23 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | $1.99 | $24 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | $2.00 | $24 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | $2.02 | $24 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | $2.03 | $24 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | $2.03 | $24 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | $2.04 | $25 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | $2.05 | $25 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | $2.06 | $25 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | $2.11 | $25 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | $2.14 | $26 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | $2.17 | $26 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | $2.18 | $26 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | $2.19 | $26 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | $2.24 | $27 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | $2.35 | $28 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | $2.41 | $29 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | $2.47 | $30 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | $2.48 | $30 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | $2.73 | $33 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | $2.78 | $33 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | $2.78 | $33 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | $3.14 | $38 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | $3.14 | $38 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | $3.19 | $38 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | $3.52 | $42 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | $3.54 | $43 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | $3.70 | $44 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | $3.75 | $45 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | $3.86 | $46 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | $3.87 | $46 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | $4.02 | $48 |
| California | 32.99¢ | $4.36 | $52 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | $5.74 | $69 |
Most efficient front-load washer models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (3.8–5.2 cu ft), out of 357 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $9 a year to run. The least efficient costs $40. Same size, $31 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Capacity | kWh/yr | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrolux | ELFW7337*** +2 variants | 4.4 | 50 | $9 | Amazon |
| Frigidaire | FWFX22D4EW | 4.4 | 50 | $9 | Amazon |
| Electrolux | ELFW7738*** Most Efficient | 4.5 | 74 | $13 | Amazon |
| Hisense | WFU34633B* +5 variants | 4.6 | 75 | $13 | Amazon |
| Maytag | MHW8150E** | 4.5 | 79 | $14 | Amazon |
| LG | WM3420C* Most Efficient | 4.5 | 80 | $14 | Amazon |
| Electrolux | ELFW7437*** +4 variants | 4.5 | 85 | $15 | Amazon |
| Electrolux | ELFW7626*** | 4.4 | 85 | $15 | Amazon |
| Maytag | MHW5630M** | 4.5 | 86 | $15 | Amazon |
| Maytag | MHW3500F** | 4.5 | 87 | $16 | Amazon |
Yearly cost from the official annual energy use and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Wash in cold and skip the internal heater 'sanitize' or 'steam' options unless needed.
- Use max spin (1,200-1,400 rpm) to cut drying time.
- Leave the door ajar after loads to prevent odors instead of running frequent hot cleaning cycles.
- Turn off at the button when finished; some models hold 1-3 W standby.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
Pairs with a front loader to cut drying energy by about half.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Front-load washer | 300 | 6 loads a week | $2.37 | $28 |
| Washing machine | 500 | 6 loads a week | $4.82 | $58 |
| Electric clothes dryer | 5,000 | 6 loads a week | $12.33 | $148 |
| Heat pump dryer | 800 | 6 loads a week | $5.76 | $69 |
| Washer dryer combo | 1,800 | 5 loads a week | $12.00 | $144 |
| Portable washing machine | 300 | 5 loads a week | $0.59 | $7 |
| Heated drying rack | 230 | 4 hours a day, 3 days a week | $2.16 | $26 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a front-load washer per hour?
A front-load washer is usually measured per load rather than per hour. Each load uses about 0.45 kWh, or 8.1¢ at 17.99¢/kWh.
How much does it cost to run a front-load washer per month?
At typical use (6 loads a week), a front-load washer costs about $2.37 a month and $28 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a front-load washer use?
Most front-load washers use 150 to 1,200 watts. Plugged in but off, it still draws about 2 W of standby power. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a front-load washer use?
About 0.43 kWh a day and 158 kWh a year at typical use (6 loads a week).
Does a front-load washer use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 158 kWh a year it's a small share (1.5%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a front-load washer or a washing machine?
At typical use, a front-load washer costs about $28 a year versus $58 for a washing machine. So the front-load washer is cheaper by about $29 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a front-load washer?
- Wash in cold and skip the internal heater 'sanitize' or 'steam' options unless needed.
- Use max spin (1,200-1,400 rpm) to cut drying time.
- Leave the door ajar after loads to prevent odors instead of running frequent hot cleaning cycles.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.