Washer-dryers: Washer-dryer energy costs

Which? doesn't only test washer-dryers for how well they clean and dry - we also measure the hidden costs of running a washer-dryer so you don't get a nasty surprise when you open your electricity bill.

Through our independent lab tests, we've discovered that buying an inefficient washer-dryer could add around £70 to your electricity bills each year. You'll find running costs and energy use ratings in each of our individual washer-dryer reviews - but for an at-a-glance guide to washer dryer energy costs, use the running costs tool below to find out how the costs add up over the years.

Washer-dryer running costs

 

 

Energy saving washer dryers

All washer-dryers have official EU energy labels which can help you choose a greener model. Washer-dryers are ranked A (most efficient) to G (least efficient) - but these labels don’t give you the full picture. They don’t tell you how the running costs of the appliance add up over the years - only Which? tests can tell you this.

Bear in mind that washer-dryers have just one energy label, although they both wash and dry, so you can’t compare them directly to energy labels on washing machines or tumble dryers. 

Which? tests reflect how you use your machine. We look at annual running costs on the most commonly-used programme in the UK - a 40°C cotton cycle - and drying running costs based on energy per kilo of washing on four programmes.

But however energy-efficient your washer-dryer is, its dual functionality makes it one of the least reliable types of all home appliances. Three in 10 washer-dryers are likely to have a problem that needs repairing in the first six years, compared to one in ten tumble dryers.

Reduce the likelihood of choosing an unreliable model by checking our washer-dryer reliability survey results – based on the experiences of thousands of Which? members.

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