Appliance Energy Cost Calculator
Example: Appliance power draw: 1500 W · Hours used per day: 4 hrs · Electricity rate: 0.17 $/kWh
| Annual running cost | $372 |
| Electricity used per year | 2,190 |
| Average monthly cost | $31 |
Worked example
A 1,500-watt space heater running 4 hours a day draws 1.5 kW, or 6 kWh daily and about 2,190 kWh a year. At $0.17 per kWh that costs roughly $372 a year, or about $31 a month. Seeing that number is often what convinces people to seal drafts and add a sweater rather than lean on a resistance heater all winter.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find an appliance's wattage?
Check the nameplate label on the appliance, the manual, or the manufacturer's specs; it is usually listed in watts or amps. If only amps are given, multiply amps by voltage (typically 120 in the U.S.) to get watts. A plug-in energy meter gives the most accurate real-world reading.
Does this account for appliances that cycle on and off?
For appliances like refrigerators that cycle, enter the equivalent hours per day they actually run, not the 24 hours they are plugged in — often 8 to 12 hours of compressor time. For always-on constant-draw devices, use the full hours. Matching run hours to reality keeps the estimate accurate.
Which appliances cost the most to run?
High-wattage devices used many hours dominate: electric water heaters, HVAC, dryers, space heaters, and pool pumps. Low-wattage electronics cost little individually. Running each big one through this tool shows where your bill really goes and where an upgrade or behavior change pays off most.
How can I lower an appliance's running cost?
Use it fewer hours, replace it with an ENERGY STAR model that draws less power, or run it during off-peak hours if you are on a time-of-use rate. The annual figure here makes it easy to compare the savings of a more efficient replacement against its purchase price.