How Much Does It Cost To Use The Dishwasher?
Running a dishwasher is convenient and can even save water compared to handwashing, but many people wonder about the costs associated with using one. The total expense depends on factors like the dishwasher’s efficiency, water usage, and electricity rates. Here’s a breakdown of how much it typically costs to use a dishwasher and some tips to make it more economical.
1. Understanding Dishwasher Power Consumption
Dishwashers use energy primarily to heat water, run the pump, and sometimes dry the dishes. Newer, energy-efficient models consume less power and use water more efficiently than older ones.
- Average Power Use: Dishwashers typically use between 1.2 to 1.5 kWh per load, but highly efficient models may use as little as 1 kWh.
- Water Heating: Most of a dishwasher’s energy goes into heating the water. Some dishwashers use built-in heaters, while others rely on your home’s water heater.
- Drying Cycle: If your dishwasher has a drying cycle (especially heated drying), it can increase the energy consumption by about 15-30%.
2. Calculating the Cost Per Load for an Electric-Powered Dishwasher
To calculate the cost per load, you need the dishwasher’s energy consumption, your local electricity rate, and the cost of water. Here’s the formula for calculating the cost per load:
Cost per Load = (Electricity Usage in kWh x Electricity Rate) + (Water Usage in Gallons x Water Rate)
Example Calculation for Electricity:
- Dishwasher Energy Use: 1.3 kWh per load (average)
- Electricity Rate: £0.30 per kWh
Cost of Electricity: 1.3 kWh x £0.30 = £0.39 per load
Example Calculation for Water:
- Water Usage: 4 gallons per load (15 litres, varies by model)
- Water Cost: £0.003 per litre
Cost of Water: 15 litres x £0.003 = £0.045 per load
Total Cost per Load: £0.39 + £0.045 = £0.435 per load, or approximately £0.44
On average, running a dishwasher costs about £0.40 to £0.50 per load, depending on water and energy rates.
3. Factors Affecting Dishwasher Energy and Water Costs
The exact cost of running your dishwasher can vary based on several factors:
- Cycle Type: Eco cycles use less water and energy but take longer. Short cycles consume more power but save time.
- Load Size: Running a dishwasher with a full load is more energy-efficient than running multiple smaller loads.
- Temperature Setting: Lowering the temperature setting can reduce energy usage. An eco-friendly temperature for dishwashers is around 50-55°C.
- Drying Option: Turning off heated drying and letting dishes air-dry will reduce energy use and costs.
4. Dishwasher vs. Handwashing Costs
Contrary to popular belief, using a dishwasher can actually be more efficient than washing dishes by hand, especially for large loads. Handwashing can use up to 40-50 litres of water per load, whereas dishwashers often use only 10-15 litres. For cost and water efficiency, a full dishwasher is generally more economical.
Cost Comparison:
- Handwashing: About 2-3 times more water than a dishwasher, depending on method and duration.
- Dishwasher: Uses less water and can cost up to half as much in energy and water compared to handwashing, especially if using an energy-efficient model.
5. Energy-Saving Tips for Using a Dishwasher
If you’re looking to lower your dishwasher’s operating costs, here are some tips to help make it even more economical:
- Run Full Loads Only: Fill up the dishwasher before running it to get the most out of each cycle.
- Use Eco or Energy-Saving Cycles: These cycles save both water and electricity by operating at lower temperatures and using less water.
- Turn Off Heated Drying: Skip the heated drying cycle and let dishes air-dry by opening the door after the wash cycle ends.
- Use a Lower Temperature Setting: Set the temperature to a moderate level (around 50°C) to reduce heating costs.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean the filter and spray arms to keep your dishwasher running efficiently, which can reduce energy usage.
6. Comparing Older Models vs. Energy-Efficient Dishwashers
Newer dishwashers are generally much more energy-efficient than older models, saving both water and electricity. Here’s a quick comparison:
Dishwasher Model | Average Energy per Load | Average Water per Load | Cost per Load (Approx.) |
Older Model (5+ years) | 1.8 kWh | 15-20 litres | £0.60 |
Modern Energy-Efficient | 1.3 kWh | 10-15 litres | £0.40 |
High-Efficiency (Eco) | 1.0 kWh | 10 litres | £0.35 |
Upgrading to an energy-efficient dishwasher can save approximately £50-£75 per year if you run it four times per week, thanks to reduced energy and water consumption.
Conclusion
On average, using a dishwasher costs around £0.40 to £0.50 per load, but this can vary depending on energy rates, water costs, and the efficiency of your dishwasher model. Dishwashers are generally more cost-effective and water-efficient than handwashing for large loads, especially when used with energy-saving settings. By following a few simple tips, like only running full loads and turning off heated drying, you can further reduce the cost of using your dishwasher, making it both a convenient and economical option in your kitchen.