The ideal washing machine has low energy consumption while still supplying an excellent washing performance.
To determine the energy efficiency of washing machines, manufacturers run over 100 cycles on an ‘eco 40-60 programme’. (This is now a mandatory program found on all new washing machines, that uses lower wash and rinse temperatures.
It uses less energy to heat the water and minimises the amount of water needed, while still removing dirt effectively.) The test shows its energy consumption in kilowatts (kWh). This acts as a fair representation of how a washing machine performs over the course of a year.
Washer dryers are similarly assessed. The main difference is that you’ll see two ratings. The left side shows the energy rating for a combined wash and dry. The right side shows the energy rating for only a wash cycle. The energy output is again calculated by running 100 cycles. A washer or washer dryer with an energy efficiency rating of C or above is considered good.