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Commercial Laundry Machine Electricity Cost Calculator

Sarah Jones

27 Mar 2023

commercial laundry machine electricity cost

Running commercial washers and dryers can devour energy—and profits. For laundromats, hotels, or hospitals, electricity costs often account for 20–40% of monthly expenses. This guide includes a simple calculator formula, real-world examples, and actionable tips to slash your bills in 2025.


How Much Does It Cost to Power Commercial Laundry Equipment?


Commercial Laundry Electricity Cost Formula

Calculate monthly costs in 3 steps:

  1. Watts per Cycle: Check your machine’s specs (e.g., 5,000W for a 30lb washer).

  2. Daily Usage: Hours run per day × days per month.

  3. Electricity Rate: Local cost per kWh (average: 0.12–0.12–0.30 in the U.S.).

Formula:

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Monthly Cost = (Watts / 1,000) × Hours/Day × Days/Month × $/kWh

Example Calculation

Machine: 30lb Commercial Washer (5,000W)Usage: 6 hours/day, 30 days/monthRate: $0.15/kWh

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(5,000W / 1,000) = 5 kW  
5 kW × 6 hours = 30 kWh/day  
30 kWh × 30 days = 900 kWh/month  
900 kWh × $0.15 = **$135/month**

Annual Cost: $1,620


Compare Costs for Common Machines

Machine Type

Wattage

Daily Use (Hours)

Monthly Cost ($0.15/kWh)

30lb Washer

5,000W

6

$135

75lb Dryer

10,000W

8

$360

20lb ENERGY STAR Washer

3,500W

6

$94.50

50lb Heat Pump Dryer

3,000W

8

$108

Note: Dryers typically cost 2–3x more to run than washers due to higher wattage.


6 Ways to Reduce Commercial Laundry Electricity Costs

  1. Upgrade to ENERGY STAR® Machines

    • Save 25–40% in energy use vs. standard models.

    • Example: A 50lb ENERGY STAR washer uses ~3,500W vs. 5,500W for older models.

  2. Use Heat Pump Dryers

    • Cut dryer energy use by 50–60% by recycling hot air.

  3. Optimize Load Sizes

    • Avoid half-loads: A full 30lb washer uses the same energy as a 15lb load.

  4. Switch to Off-Peak Hours

    • Run machines during cheaper rate periods (e.g., nights).

  5. Maintain Equipment

    • Clean lint filters daily; service motors annually to prevent energy waste.

  6. Install Solar Panels

    • Offset 30–100% of energy costs with renewable power (tax credits available).


Real-World Savings Example

Business: Mid-sized laundromat with 10 washers and 8 dryers.

  • Old Setup:

    • Washers: 5,500W × 8 hrs/day = $1,584/month

    • Dryers: 10,000W × 10 hrs/day = $3,600/month

    • Total: $5,184/month

  • After Upgrades:

    • ENERGY STAR washers (3,500W): $1,008/month

    • Heat pump dryers (3,000W): $864/month

    • Total: $1,872/month (64% savings)


FAQs About Laundry Electricity Costs

Q: How much does it cost to run a commercial dryer for 1 hour?*A: A 10,000W dryer costs ~1.50/hourat1.50/hourat0.15/kWh.*

Q: Do commercial washers use more electricity than residential?A: Yes—industrial washers average 4,000–6,000W vs. 500–1,500W for home models.

Q: Does water heating affect electricity bills?*A: Yes! Heating water accounts for 90% of washer energy use. Use cold-water detergents.*

Q: Are gas dryers cheaper than electric?*A: Often yes—gas dryers cost ~0.75/hourvs.0.75/hourvs.1.50+ for electric. Compare fuel rates in your area.*


Free Electricity Cost Calculator Tool

Use our Google Sheets template to automate calculations:

  1. Download Here: [Link to your site’s template]

  2. Enter your machine wattage, hours used, and local kWh rate.

  3. Instantly see monthly/annual costs.


Conclusion

Commercial laundry electricity costs can make or break your profits. By upgrading equipment, optimizing loads, and leveraging off-peak rates, businesses can save thousands annually.

Pro Tip: Before buying new machines, use our calculator to compare total lifecycle costs (energy + maintenance) of leasing vs. buying.

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