Several washing machine models provide a wide capacity range and cycle settings. Thus, energy-efficient washers use substantially less water than regular washers. Water consumption is an essential factor if you’re considering purchasing a new washer. If you’re wondering how many gallons of water does a washing machine use, this article will help you answer that. This article will also give you some tips on how to reduce water usage of the washing machine.
How Much Water Does A Washing Machine Use
Traditional top-loading washing machines use approximately 40 gallons of water per load with center-post agitators. Compare that with front-loading devices that use 20 gallons is somewhat massive. Note that 40 gallons, which are among the main costs of running a washing machine, would take twice the heat energy.
They use gravity to produce pressure, and it lessens the amount of water used. The drum spins and rotates the clothes above the waterline. You can wash and drop clothes down into the water, and front loaders can wash clothes with less water. Front-loaders will get clean clothes by using less water with the force of gravity. You might still wonder how many gallons of water does a washing machine use due to some factors.
Front-loaders washers do not require as much water as the older washers. These are called high-efficiency washers. Some top-loading washers are also clearly designed for being high-efficiency cleaners. Both forms use between 15-25 gallons or 30 gallons of water, but some may use less.
What’s The Average Water Consumed By Washing Machines
Washing machines take up 19 gallons of water per load on average. That adds up to 5,605 gallons of water per year in an average household.
Standard washing machines accredited by Energy Star use 14 gallons of water per charge, 33 percent lower than standard washers. An Energy Star rated washer could save 1,475 gallons of water per year for traditional washers. That ultimately answers how many gallons of water does a washing machine use.
Factors To Check In Water Usage For Washing Machines
Depending on the amount of water a washing machine requires, you will have to look at several factors such as:
- Washer Capacity
- Load Size
- Cycle Settings
- Age and Style of Washing Machine
Let’s take a closer look at every aspect to give you a clear picture of how much water use can differ.
1. Washer Capacity
You can determine the strength of the drum in cubic feet by the size of a washer. There can be a capacity of 3 to 4 cubic feet for several standard-sized washers, while high power washers could be over five cubic feet. The greater the power, the greater the amount of water the washer will handle.
According to Energy Star records:
- Washers with a size of less than four cubic feet consume 8.5 gallons of water per charge on maximum.
- Washers with a volume capacity between 4 and 5 cubic feet require 15.6 gallons of water per charge on average.
- Washers use an estimate of 20.5 gallons of water per cycle with a volume beyond five cubic feet.
2. Load Size
Another aspect affecting the use of water from the washing machine is the load size. A medium set is about 6 pounds, about 15 pieces of clothing you might carry in your arms. A heavy load is 11 pounds, and an extra big load amounts to around 21 pounds. The more the weight or, the bulkier the objects such as bedding or comforter, the more water is required to wash clothes properly.
3. Cycle Settings
The cycle you selected will also influence how much water your washing machine uses, and any rinse adjustments you pick. Choose a device tailored to the kinds of clothes that you are washing. If not, your clothes will not be properly clean, which will cause you to run an unnecessary cycle while using even more water. If your appliance has an eco-friendly or water-saving cycle, it can conserve water and energy to clean clothes.
4. Age And Style Of The Washer
Older models don’t use water as effectively as newer versions. The washing machine models of today, such as hybrids or front-loaders, deliver improved water quality. These units are Energy Star accredited, which means they use 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than standard washing machines. Let’s take a brief look at reducing water usage and identifying how many gallons of water does a washing machine use.
How To Reduce Water Usage Of Washing Machine
Here are several ways to reduce water usage while washing clothes:
- Use The Right Amount of Laundry Detergent
Using the correct amount of laundry detergent will avoid adding more water or an extra rinse process to your machine if suds are detected. You may think that if you do not see a lot of soapy water, clothes won’t get clean, which would allow you to add more detergent than you would like. It will help to add the correct amount of detergent, depending on the size of your load. - Limit Wash Days
Try cutting back to a few days when washing your clothes for a week. You may want to buy enough towels, bath towels, linen, underwear, and linen to last for a week. - Reuse Towels
Use one portion of your towels and hang it apart from you with the discarded side facing up. It will give you an extra clean part to use so that before washing, you can get two uses. - Wear Clothes Again
Before cleaning, consider using that one if you’ve only worn a clothing item briefly, particularly jeans, sweaters, and sweatshirts. - Choose The Right Washing Cycle
For what you are washing, choose the correct cycle. For a small load, there is no need to run a heavy loop. To understand the various processes and the pressures for which they are ideally suited, review your manual.
Conclusion
Finding a clothes washer isn’t easy when purchasing a new unit. While manufacturers calculate Water Factors for each washer model, they do not need to show the unit’s rating. When in doubt of how many gallons of water does a washing machine use, follow this guide to help you pick properly. Know more about how appliances work.