News
28 May 2025
Utility Room Energy Saving Advice
Appliances cost per hour
| Appliance | Kilowatt-hour | Cost per Hour |
|---|---|---|
Washing machine | 2.1 kWh | 80 cent |
Tumble dryer | 2.5 kWh | 95 cent |
Vacuum cleaner | 1 kWh | 38 cent |
Chest freezer (E energy efficiency) | 200 kWh / per year | €76.08 per year |
Iron | 1.5 kWh | 57 cent |
Steam cleaner | 1.8 kWh | 68 cent |
Clothes steamer | 1 kWh | 38 cent |
*The costs shown are based on Electric Ireland's standard 24-hour rate of €0.3804 per kWh (non-smart), including VAT as of July 2026. Final electricity bills include an annual standing charge and PSO payment. Appliance costs are estimated based on hourly continuous use. Actual costs may vary with usage patterns.
**Chest freezer: The main energy use of a chest freezer is for maintaining a constant temperature rather than continuous operation. This is a yearly estimation of an E rated chest freezer with a usage of 200 kWh/per year and an electricity rate of €0.3804/kWh. The cost of running your chest freezer varies depending on several factors, including its energy efficiency rating, temperature settings, how full it is, and how often hot items are placed inside.
Energy advice
- Cold water wash: If possible, use eco settings on the machine and wash at a lower temperature. Like dishwashers, washing machines use the most energy when heating water.
- Full loads: A full load uses the same amount of electricity as a half load, so sometimes it’s better to wait to put that wash on.
- Dryer efficiency: Clean the lint filter and consider air-drying clothes indoors.
- Dry clothes outdoors: When the weather permits.
