How much does an iron consume?

The iron is considered one of the most energy-intensive small appliances, due to its very high power, generally between 1.800 and 2.500 watts. On average, an iron consumes between 1 and 2,5 kWh per hour of use.

But on this average, which then translates into a cost on the bill, some useful elements count and become decisive in reducing it: the use of the iron, the times of use ( it is not necessary to be constantly ironing ; rather, it is important to concentrate the activity in a specific period of time), the model you choose, given that technology has made valuable progress also for the purposes of energy saving.

To reduce the iron's power consumption it is essential:

• Prepare everything before starting: water, a table, hangers, and everything else you need for ironing. A tidy start saves you time, and therefore energy.
• Don't take breaks, once you have made the decision to iron: they cause heat to disperse.
• Turn off the iron as soon as you have finished ironing and you no longer use it.
• Unplug a few minutes before finishing: the iron is still hot and works perfectly without further power consumption.
• Start with items that require low temperatures, and then move on to those that require higher temperatures, such as cotton and linen.

Iron consumption is closely related to how you use it and how long it's on. Even in these cases, a few simple steps are enough to avoid waste and optimize the use of your iron.

• You don't need to iron everything: There are items, from pajamas to towels, to various types of T-shirts, just to name a few, that don't require constant ironing. Simply dry them and fold them neatly.
• It saves a lot of money compared to the consumption of the iron, if the activity is concentrated in single sessions. Constantly turning the iron on and off results in a huge waste of energy, and also an excessive waste of time.
• Avoid ironing always at the maximum temperature: it is not useful for the final result and can even be counterproductive.
• Harnessing the steam to make ironing more effective and less wasteful.
• Always keep your iron clean. This small appliance is one of those most affected by limescale, which can build up very frequently. A well-cleaned iron, free of limescale, not only performs better, but also consumes less energy.
• A small, but certainly useful, tip is to dampen the garments slightly, perhaps using a spray bottle: this will make ironing easier and quicker.

The market offers a wide range of irons, including a variety of models that utilize different technologies, from steam to a separate boiler. An efficient, modern model helps reduce energy consumption, even when needs vary. For example, an iron with a separate boiler is more efficient for long ironing sessions. It's recommended to always choose high-efficiency, low-consumption models equipped with an automatic shut-off system that prevents the iron from being left on when not in use.

Read also:

• What to do to stop ironing
• How to iron while saving energy and effort
• Tricks for quick and effortless ironing