Free tool
Appliance energy cost calculator
What does that space heater, old fridge or game console really cost to run? Enter its watts (on the label or in the manual), how long it runs, and your electricity rate. Nothing is stored.
Costs about
$30.60 a month
- Per year (at this use)
- $367.20
- Energy used
- 180.0 kWh
- Per hour of use
- $0.26
- Per day
- $1.02
Watts on a label are usually the maximum. Fridges, ACs and heaters with thermostats cycle on and off, so real use is often lower. A plug-in usage meter gives the exact figure.
The formula
Watts × hours a day × days ÷ 1,000 = kWh. Then kWh × your rate = cost. A 1,500-watt heater running 4 hours a day for 30 days uses 180 kWh; at 17 cents per kWh that's about $30.60 a month.
Biggest results usually come from things that heat or cool: space heaters, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, water heaters and dryers. See thermostat settings and standby power.