A washing machine is an important appliance in our homes that makes our laundry work much easier. However, it can use a large amount of electricity and this is something that every homeowner should be aware of. In this article, we will learn how many amps does a washing machine use to understand your monthly energy usage.
How Many Amps Does a Washing Machine Use?
A unit used to measure the flow of electric current is known as an amp or ampere. The average amps a washer uses for each load of wash is between 5 to 20 amps. It depends on the brand and size of the machine. The size of the machine also depends on your home size, however, the average consumption of the washer will not exceed 20 amps.
How Many Watts Does a Washing Machine Use?
A watt is a unit of measurement used for power consumption. The amount of energy consumption of your washing machine mainly depends on how much you use it and the brand of the appliance plays a crucial role in it. However, the average power for a washing machine per hour of use is between 400 to 1500 watts.
The size of the washer also determines the power consumption rate. That means a smaller appliance will consume less kWh as compared to the larger one. For example, in a small household, a 7kg washing machine of Whirlpool would need around 340 watts of electricity per hour.
If you use your washing machine frequently, like once or thrice a week, then definitely it will consume more energy. In addition, if you use features like the heater, then it will certainly increase your monthly utility bills. For instance, operating a 900 W washer once a week will consume around 0.9 kWh of electricity per week and around 3.9 kWh per month. However, to minimize the power consumption of the machine, you are suggested to cut back other features like hot water or doing laundry at maximum load.
Also Read: How Many Amps Does a Kettle Use?
Amps and Watts Used by Washers of Well-known Brands
Below we have mentioned some famous washing machine brands and the average amps and watts used by their devices. This will give you a better understanding.
- LG washing machine: 11 amps and 2700 watts.
- Whirlpool washers: 12 and 15 amps and use between 1200 and 1800 watts.
- Samsung washing machine: 11 amps and uses between 500 and 1000 watts.
- Kenmore washing machine: 14 amps and 3500 watts.
Which Factors Affect a Washing Machine’s Amperage?
You are already aware of how many amps and watts a washing machine uses. Note that the amperage of a washing machine may differ depending on various aspects, including:
1. Age of Washing Machine
As compared to newer washing machine models, older models are likely to consume more energy. This implies that older appliances may have higher amp requirements.
2. Wattage Rating
The wattage rating of a washing machine has a direct impact on its amp requirements. Wattage implies the energy consumption of the machine. The higher wattage will result in higher amp usage.
3. Type of Washer
Various types of washers, such as front-loading and top-loading models, have varying energy requirements and consumption. For instance, front loaders usually use 11-20 amps, while top loaders usually use 12-15 amps. Hence, considering the type of the washing machine is important.
4. Size of Motor
The size of the motor installed in the washing machine also determines its amperage requirements. Usually, bigger and more powerful motors need more energy to run, causing higher amperage usage.
5. Cycle Type and Water Level
The type of cycle and water level determined for a washing machine can also affect its power consumption and amperage. Hot water cycles and higher water levels can cause higher amp requirements. So, it is essential to determine a balance between power efficiency and water level to reduce amperage usage.
6. Use of Additional Features
Usage of additional features like water heaters and spin dryers can also lead to higher energy and amperage consumption. The washer requires additional energy to heat the water, while the use of a spin dryer requires more energy to generate heat for removing excess water from your clothing.
Also See: How Many Amps Does a Dryer Use?
How to Calculate Amp Based on Wattage Rating?
Calculating the amperage of your washing machine is easy.
Formula: Amps = Watts ÷ Volts
Example: Suppose your washer has a wattage rating of 700 watts and runs on a standard 120-volt outlet.
The calculation would be done as follows:
Amps = 700 watts ÷ 120 volts = 5.8 amps.
Mostly we are unaware of how many amps and watts a washing machine uses. This is important data that allows us to track our energy consumption. However, the overall energy usage of a washing machine depends on how frequently we use it and the functionalities we incorporate.
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