How do I find my rates?

Check your utility bills for $/kWh, $/therm, and water/sewer rates. Use those for best accuracy.

Can I compare line drying?

Yes. Set dryer energy to zero to see cost without machine drying.

Do HE washers use less water?

Often. Lower the gallons input to reflect HE/eco cycles to see savings.

Does time-of-use matter?

Not modeled. If you have TOU rates, use your average or run multiple scenarios.

Can I include detergent cost?

Not included. Add separately if you want full per-load cost.

energy calculator

Laundry Cost per Load Calculator

Estimate cost per laundry load from washer/dryer energy use and water cost.

Results

Electricity cost per load: $0
Gas cost per load: $0
Water cost per load: $0
Total cost per load: $1

How to use this calculator

Enter washer energy use (kWh/load).
Enter electric dryer kWh or gas therms (set unused energy source to zero).
Enter electricity, gas, and water rates, plus gallons per load.
Review cost per load broken out by electric, gas, water, and total.

Inputs explained

Washer kWh: Energy per wash cycle; HE/front-loaders often ~0.3–0.6 kWh.
Dryer energy: Set electric kWh or gas therms; zero out the other.
Water gallons: Gallons per load; HE washers can be 15–25 gallons.

How it works

Electric cost = (Washer kWh + Electric dryer kWh) × Electricity rate.

Gas cost = Gas therms × Gas rate (set gas therms to zero if electric/line dry).

Water cost = Gallons × Water rate.

Total = electric + gas + water.

Formula

Electric cost = (Washer kWh + Dryer kWh) × Elec rate
Gas cost = Gas therms × Gas rate
Water cost = Gallons × Water rate
Total = Electric + Gas + Water

When to use it

Comparing electric vs gas dryer cost.
Estimating savings from line drying or lower-temp washes.
Budgeting utility costs for frequent laundry households or rentals.

Tips & cautions

Line drying or gas dryers can significantly cut electric use—set dryer kWh to zero to see impact.
Colder washes often use less energy; adjust washer kWh if using eco modes.
Water/sewer rates vary widely; check your bill for accurate per-gallon cost.
Simplified averages; real machines vary by cycle and load size.
Does not include detergent/softener costs.
Does not model standby power or variable-rate tariffs by time of use.

Worked examples

Electric dryer

Electric = (0.4 + 2.5) × $0.15 ≈ $0.44
Water = 25 × $0.005 = $0.13
Total ≈ $0.57

Gas dryer

Electric = 0.4 × $0.15 ≈ $0.06
Gas = 0.12 therm × $1.20 = $0.14
Water = $0.13
Total ≈ $0.33

Deep dive

Calculate laundry cost per load by entering washer/dryer energy use, water usage, and utility rates.

See electricity, gas, water, and total cost to compare electric vs gas dryers or line drying.

FAQs

How do I find my rates?: Check your utility bills for $/kWh, $/therm, and water/sewer rates. Use those for best accuracy.
Can I compare line drying?: Yes. Set dryer energy to zero to see cost without machine drying.
Do HE washers use less water?: Often. Lower the gallons input to reflect HE/eco cycles to see savings.
Does time-of-use matter?: Not modeled. If you have TOU rates, use your average or run multiple scenarios.
Can I include detergent cost?: Not included. Add separately if you want full per-load cost.

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