What does it actually cost to run that thing?
Enter your appliance, your hours, and your electricity rate. See the real cost per day, month, and year. Compare it to an efficient alternative and find out if upgrading pays for itself.
Cost Calculator
Running Cost
How to Get Accurate Numbers
Check the nameplate
Look for a sticker on the back or bottom of your appliance. It lists either watts directly or volts and amps (multiply V × A to get watts). The number on the label is the maximum draw. Actual use is often 20-40% lower for devices that cycle on and off, like fridges and air conditioners.
Use a plug-in monitor
The most accurate way to know what a device uses is to measure it. A plug-in energy monitor sits between your outlet and the appliance. It tracks real wattage over hours or days. This is especially useful for older appliances that may draw more than their rated wattage.
Find your real rate
Look at your electricity bill for the line labeled "price to compare" or "supply charge per kWh." Some bills separate supply from delivery. Add both for the true rate. If your utility uses tiered pricing, use the rate from the tier you usually land in.
Think about seasonal use
A space heater running 6 hours a day for 4 months costs very different from one running year-round. Use the seasonal dropdown to adjust. For appliances like dehumidifiers or window AC units, estimate the months you actually use them rather than assuming 12 months.
Common Appliance Wattage Reference
These are typical values for common household appliances. Actual wattage varies by model, age, and usage pattern. Use this as a starting point, not a final answer.
| Appliance | Typical Watts | Hours/Day (est.) | Yearly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central AC (3 ton) | 3000 | 8 | $1,138 |
| Window AC unit | 900 | 8 | $341 |
| Space heater | 1500 | 6 | $350 |
| Refrigerator (18 cu ft) | 150 | 24 | $170 |
| Clothes dryer | 4000 | 1 | $189 |
| Clothes washer | 500 | 0.5 | $12 |
| Dishwasher | 1800 | 1 | $85 |
| Electric oven | 2500 | 1 | $118 |
| Microwave | 1200 | 0.5 | $28 |
| Coffee maker | 1000 | 0.25 | $12 |
| Hair dryer | 1500 | 0.25 | $18 |
| LED TV (55") | 100 | 5 | $24 |
| Desktop computer | 200 | 6 | $57 |
| Laptop | 60 | 6 | $16 |
| WiFi router | 10 | 24 | $12 |
| Gaming console | 120 | 3 | $16 |
| Ceiling fan | 75 | 8 | $27 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 12 | $280 |
| Aquarium heater (100 gal) | 200 | 12 | $112 |
| Hot tub heater | 3000 | 3 | $425 |
* Based on $0.14/kWh flat rate. Your actual cost depends on your local rate and usage patterns.
Common Mistakes People Make
- Ignoring standby power. TVs, game consoles, and chargers draw power even when off. A single device might only waste $5/year, but 15 devices together can add $75 or more.
- Guessing hours instead of tracking. You might think your dryer runs 3 hours a week. It might actually be 5. Small differences in hours create big differences in cost.
- Comparing the wrong things. Replacing a 60-watt incandescent bulb with a 9-watt LED saves $7/year per bulb. Replacing a 10-year-old fridge with an Energy Star model can save $60-120 per year. Focus on the big wins first.
- Forgetting about heating. Electric heat is almost always the largest energy expense in a home. A space heater at 1500 watts running 6 hours a day costs over $40/month. That's more than most other appliances combined.
Questions People Ask
Where do I find my appliance's wattage?
Check the label on the back, bottom, or inside the door. It shows watts or volts and amps. Multiply V × A for watts. You can also search the model number on the manufacturer's website or use a plug-in energy monitor for a precise measurement.
What if my utility has time-of-use rates?
Use your average rate for a rough estimate. For a better number, run the calculator twice (once for peak rate, once for off-peak) and average the results. Most people use about 60% off-peak and 40% peak.
Why does my bill seem higher than these numbers?
This calculator handles one appliance at a time. Your bill includes every device plus service fees, taxes, and sometimes tiered rate increases. Run your top five appliances through the calculator and add the results. That total should be closer to your actual bill.
Is standby power really worth worrying about?
One device in standby might cost $5 per year. That's minor. But most homes have 15-20 devices drawing standby power. Together that can reach $100 or more per year. A smart power strip that cuts power completely is a cheap fix.
Which appliance should I replace first?
Start with the oldest, least efficient appliance that runs the most hours. Old refrigerators (pre-2010), electric resistance heaters, and old window AC units are usually the best candidates. Use the upgrade comparison panel to check the payback period for each.