What your result means
The result estimates the selected household energy cost across useful time periods. It is intended for comparing usage scenarios, not reproducing a complete utility bill.
New Zealand household energy calculator
Washing machine running cost calculator NZ
Estimate the electricity and metered-water cost of your washing machine from programme consumption and the number of loads your household runs.
Estimated annual running cost
$115.44
156 kWh per year
Per month
$9.62
Per day
$0.32
Per cycle
$0.44
Water per year
15,600 L
This is a planning estimate. Fixed electricity charges, maintenance, detergents and appliance purchase costs are not included.
Estimate only: Replace every default with figures for your appliance, household use and current electricity or water plan.
How the calculation works
The calculator multiplies kWh per cycle by your electricity rate and litres per cycle by your combined water and wastewater rate. It then multiplies that cycle cost by weekly loads and 52 weeks.
Example calculation
A 0.6 kWh, 60 litre wash at 30 c/kWh and $4/kL costs about $0.42 per cycle before detergent.
Choose better inputs
Use the kWh and litres for the wash programme you normally select. Programme, load size and water temperature can materially change each cycle.
Washing machine cost per load and year in NZ
Estimate the electricity and metered-water cost of your washing machine from programme consumption and the number of loads your household runs. Use your own plan rate and appliance information so the estimate reflects your household rather than a broad national assumption.
Calculation formula and worked example
Calculation method
The calculator multiplies kWh per cycle by your electricity rate and litres per cycle by your combined water and wastewater rate. It then multiplies that cycle cost by weekly loads and 52 weeks.
Worked example
A 0.6 kWh, 60 litre wash at 30 c/kWh and $4/kL costs about $0.42 per cycle before detergent.
Important checks before using the estimate
Check the assumption
Programme, load size, inlet temperature and appliance behaviour can change consumption.
Check the assumption
Many New Zealand households do not pay a volumetric water charge; enter zero when it does not apply.
Use your current rate
Copy the variable electricity rate from your own plan and keep cents per kWh separate from dollars per kWh.
Keep other costs separate
Fixed daily charges, maintenance, consumables and appliance purchase costs are not included unless the calculator explicitly asks for them.
New Zealand electricity sources
Use an appliance label or measured consumption with the variable rate from your current plan. The NZ electricity-rate guide explains how to choose the appropriate rate.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find energy per wash?
Check the energy label, product specification or programme table. A plug-in energy meter can measure actual electricity use where safe and suitable.
Does this include detergent?
No. It estimates electricity and entered water charges only.
Why does a warm wash cost more?
Heating water generally increases electricity use, although the exact difference depends on the machine and programme.