Written by

Tamatha Hazen

July 15, 2024

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Average cost to run a dishwasher

The average cost to run a dishwasher is $0.14 to $0.30 per cycle. Running 4 to 5 cycles weekly amounts to around $3 to $6 per month or $35 to $72 per year in electricity bills. Energy-efficient dishwashers can help reduce these costs. Total operating expenses increase when factoring in water usage, detergent, and rinse aid products.

How much electricity does a dishwasher use?

Dishwashers offer great convenience but can impact your monthly utility bills. A dishwasher uses 1 to 2 kWh of electricity per cycle, depending on the unit's size and energy efficiency, with electricity costs ranging from $0.12 to $0.40 per cycle. Actual running costs vary depending on the water temperature, cycle length, and the specific settings you choose.

To put a dishwasher's energy consumption in perspective, let's compare the average monthly running costs of other common home appliances:

• The cost to run a refrigerator is $3 to $13 per month.

• The cost to run an electric range is $5 to $10 per month.

• The cost of running a washer and dryer is $6 to $12 per month.

• The cost of running a space heater is $60 to $90 per month.

What affects the cost of running a dishwasher?

The overall cost of running a dishwasher goes beyond just electricity. The total cost to run a load of dishes is around $0.25 to $0.50 per load when you add in water, detergent, and rinse aid costs. These costs will vary depending on your dishwasher's efficiency, local utility rates, and your choice of cleaning products.

Several additional factors impact the cost of running a dishwasher:

• Dishwasher size & efficiency: Larger, higher-wattage dishwashers consume more energy and cost more to operate than smaller models. ENERGY STAR-certified dishwashers use less water and electricity, potentially reducing operating costs.

• Electricity & water rates: The cost of electricity and water in your area can significantly impact the running costs of a dishwasher.

• Usage frequency: How often you run your dishwasher will also influence the overall cost. Running full loads less frequently is generally more cost-effective than running partial loads more often.

• Cycle selection: Different wash cycles consume varying amounts of water and energy. Using eco-friendly or energy-saving cycles can help reduce costs.

• Maintenance & age: Well-maintained and newer dishwashers tend to be more efficient. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance can help keep operating costs down.

• Pre-rinsing habits: Extensive pre-rinsing of dishes can waste water and increase overall costs. Modern dishwashers are designed to clean effectively without pre-rinsing.

• Local water conditions: In areas with hard water, you may need to use more detergent or run longer cycles, potentially increasing costs.

FAQs about the cost to run a dishwasher

Is it cheaper to run a dishwasher or wash dishes by hand?

Generally, it is cheaper and more efficient to run a dishwasher than to wash dishes by hand. Using an ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher can save you $210 per year, or $3,200 over the dishwasher’s lifetime compared to handwashing your dishes.

Can using a dishwasher save me money on my water bills?

Yes, using a dishwasher can save you money on your water bills compared to hand washing. Modern dishwashers use only 3 to 6 gallons of water per cycle, while hand washing can consume up to 27 gallons for the same amount of dishes.

Do modern dishwashers use less energy?

Newer models, especially those with ENERGY STAR certification, are significantly more energy-efficient than older models. If your current dishwasher is 10 years old or older, consider upgrading to a more efficient unit. When scheduling the installation, ask your dishwasher installer to verify the ENERGY STAR certification of your chosen model.

Energy-saving tips for dishwasher use

While dishwashers are generally more efficient than hand-washing, they can still consume significant energy and water if not used wisely. Follow these and other home energy-saving cost strategies to keep your utility bills in check:

• Only run full loads: Dishwashers use about the same amount of energy and water regardless of how full they are, so wait until you have a full load before running a cycle.

• Use energy-efficient settings: Choose eco-friendly or energy-saving cycles when available, as these use less water and energy.

• Avoid pre-rinsing: Modern dishwashers effectively handle food residue, so just scrape off large pieces and let the dishwasher do the rest to avoid wasting water.

• Follow manufacturer instructions: Load dishes properly according to manufacturer instructions to optimize cleaning and water circulation.

• Use the air-dry setting: Instead of heat-dry, use the air-dry setting and open the door after the wash cycle to let dishes air dry naturally.

• Run during off-peak hours: If your utility company offers time-of-use rates, try to run your dishwasher load when energy rates are lowest.

• Maintain your dishwasher: Clean your filters and check for clogs regularly to ensure efficient operation.

• Upgrade your dishwasher: Consider upgrading to an ENERGY STAR-certified model, which uses less water and energy than older models. A new dishwasher installation costs $600 to $1,700.

• Turn down your water heater: Keep your water heater temperature to 120°F, as most modern dishwashers have built-in water heaters to boost temperature as needed.

• Book a home energy audit: Learn more about your home’s current energy use and efficiency by scheduling a home energy audit that costs $200 to $600. This can help you identify ways to save money every month and reduce your carbon footprint.

For more money-saving and energy-saving tips, check out our guides about how to lower your water bill and how to lower your electric bill.