Energy savings need the right approach

Program length isn’t the same as energy use

When using the washing machine, you’re choosing between a short and a longer program. A shorter program doesn’t automatically use less electricity. To compare them, you need information about the specific programs and whether they’re suitable for your laundry. A useful habit might be to check the load, program and detergent dosage before starting the wash, rather than pressing the same button every time.

The European Commission explains that washing machine energy label data is based on the eco 40–60 programme. The label gives electricity consumption per 100 cycles, water consumption per cycle and programme duration. These figures help you compare machines under specified conditions. They don’t measure every wash in your home, and can’t be applied directly to a different programme or load.

As a practical step, try running a suitably filled washing machine within the selected programme’s capacity and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Don’t overload it, and don’t wait for a full load if that would go against necessary hygiene or fabric care. When choosing a programme, consider the fabric, how dirty the clothes are and their care labels. A quick programme may have its uses, but choose based on the task and the available information, not just the number of minutes.

Keep track of how many cycles you need, too. An efficient programme won’t help as much as you expect if it leads to an extra wash for no good reason. Start by looking at how you use the appliance you already have. This lesson, by itself, isn’t a reason to replace a washing machine that still works.