GE GFW550SN Running Cost (Washing Machine)
Running cost for the GE GFW550SN
ENERGY STAR certifies the GE GFW550SN at 158 kWh/yr, one of the more expensive models in its category to run for its category.
The $30 figure above uses the simple average of all 51 published state rates. Pick your state for the real number.
Where this ranks
That's 28.5% above the washing machine category average of 123 kWh/yr, and ranks 330 of 398 certified washing machines for annual running cost, 1 being cheapest. Every one of the 398 currently-certified washing machines feeds that average, putting this model about $7/year over it. See how it's calculated on the how it is calculated page.
The closest alternatives by cost
Sorted by running cost among washing machines, one step cheaper is GE GTW686BMY ($29/yr, 156 kWh/yr), and one step pricier is GE GFW550SR ($30/yr, 158 kWh/yr).
Comparing GE's own models
GE makes 41 ENERGY STAR certified washing machines; this one ranks 22 of 41 for running cost, between the brand's cheapest, the GFW148SM at $18/yr, and its priciest, the GTW540AP at $33/yr.
Cost over its typical lifespan
NAHB's Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components puts a typical washing machine's service life at 10 years; run the GE GFW550SN that long and it costs about $297 in electricity, on top of whatever it cost to buy.
Shopping for a new one
Running above the category average, $30/year is exactly the kind of number that makes a newer, more efficient model pay for itself faster.
Worth comparing a few current certified models before deciding.
Protecting what you have
At $30/year just to run, a washing machine is worth protecting against an unplanned repair bill on top of that.
The data behind this page
Nothing here is estimated from a nameplate wattage; the 158 kWh/yr is ENERGY STAR's own certified figure for this model. The full Washing Machine category page shows all 398 washing machines ranked by cost; the state-rate guide covers the half of this number that isn't the appliance.