Washing Machine Buying Guide: Energy Efficiency

It’s that day again — laundry day. Running laundry can consume a lot of water and electricity, so how can you save energy when washing your clothes? With an energy-efficient washing machine, of course.

What makes a washing machine energy efficient?

Energy efficiency is about reducing energy consumption, from water temperature to the amount of water used per load. Most electricity consumed by a washing machine is used to heat up water, so machines that consume less energy by washing laundry at cooler temperatures are considered energy efficient. Not only that, but many have a sensor system to detect the size of the load and adjust the amount of water needed, which conserves both water and electricity — as using less water means there’s less water being heated. It’s important to look for these kinds of features when you’re searching for the perfect energy saver, because this is how you can save energy when washing your clothes.

What makes Samsung washing machines energy efficient?

Smartphone seen with AI Energy Mode UI. Beside it is a close-up of a washing machine dial, with a start button and Cotton & Linen option next to it. Smartphone seen with AI Energy Mode UI. Beside it is a close-up of a washing machine dial, with a start button and Cotton & Linen option next to it.

SmartThings™

With the SmartThingsTM app, you can monitor and reduce your washer’s energy use. AI Energy mode1 lets you easily check power consumption and estimates your electricity bill. For courses that operate in AI Energy mode2 it reduces energy use by up to 70%3 using EcobubbleTM to wash using cool water instead of warm and extra cycle time.

Samsung washing machine seen from the front with laundry inside. Behind it is a close-up of bubble texture. Samsung washing machine seen from the front with laundry inside. Behind it is a close-up of bubble texture.

AI ecobubble™

AI ecobubbleTM technology makes laundry less of a chore. Mixing air, water and detergent, it cleverly creates bubbles that remove 24%4 more soil even at low temperatures, saving up to 70% energy4— helping you bring down your energy bills, because washing clothes in cold water saves energy.

Close-up of Samsung washing machine detergent drawer highlighted with blue. Next to it are three icons for automation, calibration and sensing. Close-up of Samsung washing machine detergent drawer highlighted with blue. Next to it are three icons for automation, calibration and sensing.

AI Wash

Wash clothes thoroughly5, but gently with less water and detergent6. AI Wash Cycle uses advanced sensing to detect the weight and softness of the fabric and continually monitor the level of soiling. It then intelligently optimizes the water and detergent and the soaking, rinsing and spinning times so you can save energy and water.

Turtle with its fin on a Samsung washing machine door filled with bubbles. It's sitting behind a control panel set to Less Microfiber, 40 degrees, 2 cycles and 8:00. A badge is seen with the phrase Less Microfiber cycle, Microplastics reduce by up to 54%. Turtle with its fin on a Samsung washing machine door filled with bubbles. It's sitting behind a control panel set to Less Microfiber, 40 degrees, 2 cycles and 8:00. A badge is seen with the phrase Less Microfiber cycle, Microplastics reduce by up to 54%.

Less Microfiber

Looking for a microfiber filter for your washing machine? Samsung, Ocean Wise Plastics Lab and Patagonia are together finding solutions to the microfiber shedding problem. Samsung’s specially designed laundry cycle reduces up to 54%7 of the microfleece release. This is just the first step toward healthier oceans.

  1. Available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required.
  2. Can be applied when the selected washing temperature is 20 ~ 40°C.
  3. Based on internal testing on the WW11BB944AGB model in normal usage conditions. Results: Power consumption without AI Energy Mode = 0.539 KWh. Power consumption with AI Energy Mode = 0.145 KWh. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.
  4. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Intense Cold (WW11BBA046AW) vs. Synthetics 40°C without Ecobubble (WW90T4540AE). Individual results may vary.
  5. Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.
  6. AI Wash holds detergent for up to 1 month’s washing, based on the average of 4 loads per week. May vary depending on the washing load and settings.
  7. Tested with 2kg load of 100% polyester hoodies, comparing Synthetics cycle on Samsung Conventional model WW4000T and the Less Microfiber cycle on WW7000B. The results may be different depending on the clothes and environment. Tested by the Ocean Wise Plastics Lab.

Want to reduce your energy consumption?

Already have an eco-friendly washing machine? Here are some ways you can save more energy.

Check the best time to do laundry

When is electricity cheapest? Use a dual-rate or smart meter to check your energy consumption and figure out the best time to use a washing machine. Peak hours are based on demand, so the more people using electricity, the higher the price. The cheapest time to use electricity will be during off-peak hours, usually between 10pm - 8am. Try running a load then to help reduce your electricity bill!

Check the best time to do laundry Check the best time to do laundry

Wash slightly dirty laundry at cooler temperatures

Did you know washing clothes in hot water uses more energy? This is how to use less electricity: If your clothes are only a bit soiled, take this chance to save energy by washing them in cold water temperatures. With innovative technology like AI ecobubbleTM, you can have peace of mind knowing your laundry will be fresh and clean — saving up to 70% of energy8.

Wash slightly dirty laundry at cooler temperatures Wash slightly dirty laundry at cooler temperatures

Reduce the number of loads you run each week

Instead of doing multiple smaller loads throughout the week, save your laundry and run it all at once to save energy and water. Your washing machine uses a similar amount of energy every cycle, so reducing the number of loads each week will be a big help. Plus, less work for you!

Reduce the number of loads you run each week Reduce the number of loads you run each week

Use high spin speeds to reduce dryer time

Why? Higher spin speeds mean more moisture will be removed and your laundry will be less wet by the time it reaches the dryer. The less wet your laundry, the less energy the dryer needs to fully dry your clothes — and the less time your laundry spends in your energy-efficient dryer.

Use high spin speeds to reduce dryer time Use high spin speeds to reduce dryer time

8. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Intense Cold (WW11BBA046AW) vs. Synthetics 40°C without Ecobubble (WW90T4540AE). Individual results may vary.