Electricity Cost Calculator
Calculate how much electricity an appliance uses and what it costs to run per day, month, and year. Select a common appliance preset or enter custom wattage for any device.
How to Calculate Electricity Cost
The formula for calculating electricity cost is straightforward:
- Find the wattage: Check the appliance label or manual for its wattage rating (W).
- Calculate daily kWh: Wattage (W) x Hours per day / 1,000 = Daily kWh.
- Calculate monthly kWh: Daily kWh x Days per month = Monthly kWh.
- Calculate cost: Monthly kWh x Electricity rate ($/kWh) = Monthly cost.
Example: A 1,500W space heater running 8 hours per day at $0.16/kWh costs: 1,500 x 8 / 1,000 = 12 kWh/day x 30 days = 360 kWh/month x $0.16 = $57.60/month.
Common Appliance Wattages
- Refrigerator: 100-400W (runs intermittently, ~150W average)
- Central air conditioner: 3,000-5,000W
- Space heater: 1,500W
- Clothes dryer: 2,000-5,000W
- Electric oven: 2,000-5,000W
- Washing machine: 400-500W
- LED TV (50 inch): 80-120W
- Desktop computer: 200-500W
- Laptop: 30-70W
- LED light bulb: 7-15W
- Ceiling fan: 50-100W
- Electric water heater: 4,000-5,500W
Tips for Reducing Electricity Costs
- Switch to LED bulbs: LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25x longer. Replacing 10 bulbs saves ~$100/year.
- Use a programmable thermostat: Adjusting temperature 7-10 degrees for 8 hours daily saves 10-15% on heating/cooling costs.
- Unplug phantom loads: Devices on standby still draw power. Use smart power strips to eliminate $100-200/year in phantom energy use.
- Run appliances during off-peak hours: Many utilities charge less during nighttime. Run dishwashers, washers, and dryers at night.
- Upgrade to Energy Star: Energy Star appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard models.
- Seal air leaks and add insulation: Reducing drafts can cut heating and cooling costs by 15-20%.
- Use ceiling fans: Ceiling fans allow you to raise the AC thermostat by 4 degrees with no comfort loss, saving up to 30% on cooling.
- Air dry laundry: A clothes dryer is one of the most expensive appliances. Air drying saves $0.50-$1.00 per load.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate electricity cost for an appliance?
Multiply the appliance wattage by the hours used per day, then divide by 1,000 to get daily kWh. Multiply daily kWh by your electricity rate ($/kWh) for the daily cost. For monthly cost, multiply by 30 days. Example: A 100W light bulb running 8 hours/day at $0.16/kWh costs $0.128/day or $3.84/month.
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
The average US residential electricity rate is approximately $0.16 per kWh as of 2026. However, rates vary significantly by state: Hawaii is the highest at around $0.43/kWh, while states like Louisiana, Idaho, and Utah have rates around $0.10-$0.12/kWh. Check your electricity bill for your exact rate.
What appliances use the most electricity?
The biggest electricity consumers in a typical home are: central air conditioning (3,000-5,000W), electric water heater (4,500W but runs intermittently), clothes dryer (3,000-5,000W per load), electric oven/range (2,000-5,000W), and space heaters (1,500W). Refrigerators use 100-400W but run 24/7, making them a significant annual cost.
How can I reduce my electricity bill?
Top ways to reduce electricity costs: 1) Switch to LED bulbs (use 75% less energy), 2) Use a programmable thermostat (save 10-15%), 3) Unplug devices when not in use (phantom loads cost $100-200/year), 4) Run large appliances during off-peak hours, 5) Upgrade to Energy Star appliances, 6) Add insulation and seal air leaks, 7) Use ceiling fans instead of AC when possible.