Washing Machine Calculator

Compare different washing machines based on total cost of ownership.

General Inputs
Machine 1
Machine 2
Total Cost of Ownership Projection

Expert Tips for Saving Money & Energy

1. Lower the Temperature

Heating water accounts for 90% of a washing machine's energy use. Switching from 60°C to 30°C can cut energy consumption by up to 60%.

2. Full Loads Only

Half-loads still use more than half the energy. Wait until you have a full load to maximize the efficiency of every liter of water.

3. Use Eco Mode

Eco programs take longer but use lower temperatures and less water, providing the same cleaning results for significantly less money.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The TCO is the sum of all costs associated with the washing machine over its entire lifespan. This includes the initial purchase price, electricity and water costs per cycle, and estimated repair costs based on the repair interval and guarantee period.

In many cases, yes. While the initial investment is higher, the lower running costs (electricity and water) typically pay for the difference within 5 to 8 years. Over a 15-year period, an efficient machine can save you several hundred euros.

A typical household with 2-3 people runs about 220 cycles per year. Larger families might reach 300 or more. You can adjust your usage patterns in the simulator to see how they affect long-term costs.

Washing machines don't last forever. By factoring in a 'Repair Interval', our calculator estimates when you'll need to pay for maintenance (like new bearings or a heating element). Higher quality machines usually have longer intervals.

Regularly cleaning the detergent drawer, running a hot maintenance wash (90°C) once a month, and descaling if you live in a hard water area can significantly increase the repair interval and lifespan of your appliance.

Yes, PlAnhead tools are free and privacy-focused. All calculations happen in your browser.
Verified Tool Facts & Data Sources
Calculates TCO based on VDI 2067 standards.
Uses current energy and water price benchmarks.
Provides 10-year break-even analysis.
Privacy-first: No data leaves your browser.
Machine-readable facts available at /facts.json

Detailed Methodology & Calculation Logic

Resource Usage Logic

Calculations are based on the energy and water consumption per wash cycle multiplied by your annual usage frequency.

  • Utility Costs: Energy cost is derived from kWh per cycle and electricity price. Water cost is calculated from Liters per cycle and price per m³ (converted to liters).
  • Annual Baseline: Standardized benchmarks assume 220 wash cycles per year unless otherwise specified in your input.
Total Cost Analysis

The comparison model tracks the 'Total Cost of Ownership' over a period of 15 years.

  • Cumulative Expense: Includes purchase price plus annual energy, water, and potential maintenance costs.
  • Repair Estimates: Includes recurring repair costs (e.g., every 5 years) that are typically triggered once the manufacturer's guarantee expires.
Last updated: 2026-03-26