To choose the right model of automatic machine for yourself, you should take into account several mandatory criteria. Many consumers, choosing this type of household appliances, first of all pay attention to the drum loading volume and the availability of the necessary washing modes. Not the last role should be played by the power of the washing machine. After all, it is on this category that the consumption of electricity spent during washing depends. By making the right choice and following certain rules for using the device, you can significantly save on utility bills.
How to determine the power of the washing machine when buying?
Each model has its own power class. It is assigned after testing equipment in the laboratory. For washing machines, this is the number of kW / h per kilogram of loaded laundry. The energy efficiency scale has its own generally accepted designations: "A", "B", "C", "D", "E", "F", "G". The best grade "A" can be supplementedspecial "+" signs that indicate the minimum power consumption.
When buying, first of all, you should pay attention to the sticker. As a rule, it is located on the front side of the case or in the device passport. It contains all the information on the electricity consumed during operation.
If it is not possible to independently determine the class of household appliances, a sales consultant will help you find out the power of the washing machine in kW. Most often today there are machines of class "A", "A +", "A ++".
What elements of the washing machine affect its power?
To determine how much electricity will be consumed during washing, you should figure out what exactly it is for.
The power consumption of the washing machine is the sum of the consumed electricity of such components as:
- Engine. He is responsible for the rotation of the drum. The more revolutions per minute, the higher the power consumption. Also, the power of the engine of the washing machine depends on its type. Asynchronous, which were used in older models, are almost never found today. Their power was no more than 400 watts. Collector motors, the most common in modern models, as well as brushless (inverter), which are directly attached to the drum (used by LG) consume, depending on the washing mode and the selected program, up to 800 watts.
- Heating element(TEN). It accounts for most of the total electricity consumed, since modern models are connected only to cold water and kW are spent to heat it to the desired temperature. Today, washing machines use heating elements, the power of which reaches 2.9 kW. Energy consumption depends on the selected program and wash cycle. The heating element may not consume electricity at all, for example, in the process of rinsing or wringing, and to heat water up to 90˚ C, its power will be used to the maximum.
- Pump. It pumps out the water used during different wash cycles. It has up to 40 watts.
- Washing machine control system. More electricity will be consumed in washing machines with electronic control type (where there are screens), up to 10 watts. But even mechanical control requires up to 5 watts (various light sensors, programmer, control buttons, etc.).
Only the power of the device affects the consumption of electricity?
It is important to consider the operating conditions. As you can see, the largest power consumption is the electric motor of the washing machine and its heating element. But in aggregate, energy consumption depends on the selected program, washing modes, drum loading, as well as on the condition of the components.
What other factors affect the energy consumption during washing?
The power consumption of a washing machine is the main, but not the only indicator, which isbe based on the calculation of the kW spent on the execution of the washing program. In addition to washing programs that have different temperatures, the energy consumption also depends on:
- Type of fabric. As a rule, the choice of the program depends on it. Also, different materials have different wet weights.
- Water temperatures. Although all modern models are connected to cold water, its temperature, especially at different times of the year, is different.
- Number of turns. This indicator affects the energy consumed by the washing machine engine.
- Drum load levels. Modern models with intelligent control are able to calculate the weight of the laundry loaded into the drum and draw the appropriate amount of water. Otherwise, no matter how many things are loaded into the machine, it will consume the amount of water determined by the program.
How to save energy?
The kW consumption during washing is affected not only by the power of the washing machine, but also by the way it is operated. To save on utility bills, you should follow a few simple rules:
- Try to load the drum completely if the model does not provide for intelligent control. Thus, with each wash, you can save 10-15% of wasted energy.
- Choose the washing program wisely. For example, it is better to wash lightly soiled items in a quick wash at 30˚ C than on a Cotton program at 60˚ C.
- Clean the heating element from scale. Run every six monthsprogram "Cotton 60˚ C" without linen, after laying the decalcifier.
Conclusion
The power of the washing machine in kW can be found upon purchase by paying attention to the colored sticker on the front side of the housing of household appliances.
It can be from 2 to 4 kW. There is a special scale of energy efficiency, which divides all electrical appliances into classes. The most economical - "A" and "B" class. During operation, it is important to understand that in order to calculate the consumed electricity, it is not enough to know the power of the washing machine, it is necessary to follow certain rules that will help save the cherished kW.
