Identification

• Washing in cold water always saves money because warm or hot water requires energy to heat the water. Up to 90 percent of the cost of running a load of laundry goes to heating water, according to energy expert Michael Bluejay. The costliest cycle is hot/warm. The difference between using hot and cold water could be several hundred dollars a year.
  
  

Factors

• The true value of washing in cold water depends on the temperature of the cold water -- some washing might use a little hot water in the cold -- and the cost of the energy used to heat the water. The price of energy fluctuates across the country and even between providers in the same state. Whether the consumer uses electricity or gas is another cost consideration.
  
  

Quality of Washing

• Washing in cold water typically requires the use of a special cold water detergent because cold water tends to not penetrate clothing material as deeply as hot water, according to Marilyn Zelinsky-Syarto of Shelter Pop. In 2011, most top detergent manufacturers have a line of detergents designed to work with cold water, although some regular detergents work fine, but consumers may have to experiment to find a regular detergent that works well with their washing machine. Washing in cold water might not save money if the consumer has to wash a load multiple times.
  
  

Tip

• Purchasing an energy-efficient washer -- preferably one branded with the federal government's EnergyStar logo -- saves even more money. Efficient washers might use up to 40 percent less water than regular washers, according to The Green Institute. Also, either pre-soak clothes in cold water or purchase a machine with a pre-soak option reduces the chance of a second washing. Also, most people use too much detergent. Follow the washing machine's instruction -- some suggest using up to half as much detergent and the detergent manufacturer suggests. Less detergent means a small amount of water needed to do a load.