This calculator uses the average watt rating (100 Watts) for a Dishwasher. You can input your Dishwasher’s details to calculate the exact usage and cost of your device.
Enter how many hours per day you estimate you run your Dishwasher. If it is less than one hour use a decimal. For example, 30 minutes would be .5 and 15 minutes would be .25.
Input the wattage of your Dishwasher. If you are unsure enter the average wattage for a Dishwasher: 1,800.
Enter the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) you pay for electricity. If you are unsure you can use the average rate per kWh in the US (10 cents) or find the the kWh rate in your area here.
While dishwashers aren't an essential appliance, they save you from washing dishes by hand so you can focus on more important tasks. However, the time and effort that dishwashers save come at a cost. Dishwashers use electricity to wash and dry your dishes, which adds up with every load. Understanding your dishwasher's power consumption will help you determine its impact on your electric bill.
This guide will explain how much electricity dishwashers use and how to reduce your energy costs.
Dishwashers use anywhere from 1200-2400 watts of electricity, with an average machine consuming 1800 watts. Most of the energy is used to pump water into the dishwasher and power the controls. While the dishwasher uses hot water, it produces very little heat itself. Most dishwashers connect to your home's hot water line, which is heated with energy from the water heater.
How much energy your dishwasher uses will vary depending on the machine you choose, how many loads you run and the cycle you use. A single dishwashing cycle can take 1 1/2 to 4 hours. Older models will use more electricity than the latest, energy-efficient dishwashers. On average, a standard-size Energy Star dishwasher is 12% more energy efficient compared to other machines.
To calculate the cost of running your dishwasher, you need the following information:
Then, you can follow this calculation with the numbers you found to determine the cost to run your dishwasher. This example uses a 1800-watt dishwasher with a 3 hour —180 minute — cycle time at the national average price of 10.54 cents per kWh:
Using a dishwasher saves you time and effort, and it can be more energy efficient than washing dishes by hand. The average faucet uses 1 1/2 to 2.2 gallons of water per minute. If you spend 30 minutes washing a sink full of dishes, you're using 45-66 gallons of water.
The water heater uses energy to make the water that flows from your faucet hot. While a dishwasher also relies on the water heater for hot water, modern dishwashers use 3 gallons or less for an entire load of dishes. Washing dishes by hand uses more water and heat energy than a typical dishwasher cycle. Overall, using a dishwasher is better than hand washing.
With a few simple techniques, you can decrease your dishwasher's energy usage. Reducing the cost per cycle by a few cents can lead to significant savings over time. Try these easy strategies to optimize your dishwasher:
Conserving energy and lowering your electric bill starts with energy-efficient appliances. If you're in the market for a new dishwasher, look for models with low annual electricity and water use and the Energy Star certification. Here are some of the most energy-efficient dishwashers on the market:
The Miele G 6880 SCVi combines energy efficiency with all the bells and whistles of a modern dishwasher. This model offers 11 wash programs, five program options, a 3D+ cutlery tray, EcoTech heat storage and many other features. It provides superior performance while consuming only 3.2 gallons of water per cycle and 199 kWh of electricity per year. It uses 35% less energy than the U.S. Federal Standard requires. The fully integrated design sits flush with your countertops so you can achieve beauty and function in one all-inclusive machine.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly dishwasher, the Beko DUT25401 includes everything you need for a fraction of the price. This simple dishwasher uses only 234 kWh of energy per year to help you save even more on your energy bill. Using only 2.66 gallons of water, it relies on 47% less water per cycle than the U.S. Federal Standard requires.
The Blomberg DWT 52800 tackles water and energy conservation in one, using only 225 kWh of energy per year and 2.36 gallons of water per cycle. This model combines high-tech features and premium function with eight unique cycles, active ventilation drying and a full-size third rack. It outshines the U.S. Federal Standard for electricity per year by 27% and gallons per cycle by 53%.
Would you like to spend less to run your dishwasher and other appliances? EnergyBot can help you find lower energy rates in your area to cut costs on your next electricity bill. We track local electricity rates and compile them in one spot so you can easily compare providers. Our online energy marketplace provides honest and transparent information to help you find and switch to the lowest energy plan in minutes.
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