Appliance Energy Cost Calculator
Enter an appliance’s wattage, how long it runs and your electricity rate to see what it costs per hour, per month and per year. Includes typical wattages for 40 household appliances.
Calculator
33.40 per month
- Per hour
- 27¢
- Per day
- 1.10
- Per year
- 400.99
- Energy per month
- 182 kWh
- Energy per year
- 2,190 kWh
Space heater (high setting) at 1,500 W for 4 hours a day, 7 days a week, uses about 182 kWh a month.
How the calculation works
Utilities bill for energy in kilowatt-hours (kWh). An appliance’s energy use is its power in watts multiplied by the hours it runs, divided by 1,000. Multiply that by your rate and you have the cost:
Cost = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × price per kWhA 1,500-watt heater running for one hour uses 1.5 kWh. At 18.31¢ per kWh, that hour costs about 27¢.
Monthly figures use 30.4 days (365 ÷ 12) multiplied by the share of the week you use the appliance. Results are estimates: appliances with thermostats run in cycles, so a heater set to a moderate temperature in a well-insulated room may run only part of each hour and cost less than the result shown.
Where to find an appliance’s wattage
- The rating plate or sticker, usually on the back, bottom or inside the door. It may list watts, or amps and volts (multiply them).
- The yellow EnergyGuide label on refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and washers, which gives estimated yearly kWh directly.
- A plug-in electricity usage monitor, which measures actual consumption over days and is the most accurate option for appliances that cycle.
What common appliances cost to run
Calculated at the u.s. average residential rate, july 2026 (eia) of 18.31¢ per kWh, using the typical wattage and daily use listed. Monthly costs assume daily use.
| Appliance | Typical watts | Cost per hour | Typical use | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater (high setting) | 1,500 W | 27¢ | 4 h/day | $33.40 |
| Window AC (10,000 BTU) | 900 W | 16¢ | 8 h/day | $40.08 |
| Portable AC (10,000 BTU) | 1,100 W | 20¢ | 8 h/day | $48.98 |
| Central AC (3-ton) | 3,500 W | 64¢ | 6 h/day | $116.89 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 W | 1¢ | 8 h/day | $2.67 |
| Box fan | 70 W | 1¢ | 8 h/day | $3.12 |
| Dehumidifier (50-pint) | 500 W | 9¢ | 8 h/day | $22.26 |
| Humidifier (ultrasonic) | 40 W | 1¢ | 8 h/day | $1.78 |
| Electric blanket | 100 W | 2¢ | 8 h/day | $4.45 |
| Electric fireplace heater | 1,500 W | 27¢ | 3 h/day | $25.05 |
| Refrigerator (average draw) | 60 W | 1¢ | 24 h/day | $8.02 |
| Mini fridge (average draw) | 40 W | 1¢ | 24 h/day | $5.34 |
| Chest freezer (average draw) | 35 W | 1¢ | 24 h/day | $4.68 |
| Dishwasher (one cycle, heated dry) | 1,200 W | 22¢ | 1 h/day | $6.68 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 W | 44¢ | 1 h/day | $13.36 |
| Electric cooktop burner (large) | 2,000 W | 37¢ | 0.5 h/day | $5.57 |
| Microwave | 1,100 W | 20¢ | 0.25 h/day | $1.53 |
| Air fryer | 1,500 W | 27¢ | 0.5 h/day | $4.17 |
| Toaster oven | 1,200 W | 22¢ | 0.25 h/day | $1.67 |
| Coffee maker (drip) | 1,000 W | 18¢ | 0.25 h/day | $1.39 |
| Electric kettle | 1,500 W | 27¢ | 0.15 h/day | $1.25 |
| Slow cooker (low) | 200 W | 4¢ | 8 h/day | $8.91 |
| Pressure cooker / multicooker | 1,000 W | 18¢ | 0.5 h/day | $2.78 |
| Clothes dryer (electric) | 3,000 W | 55¢ | 1 h/day | $16.70 |
| Washing machine (motor only) | 500 W | 9¢ | 1 h/day | $2.78 |
| Clothes iron | 1,100 W | 20¢ | 0.25 h/day | $1.53 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1,000 W | 18¢ | 0.25 h/day | $1.39 |
| Hair dryer | 1,500 W | 27¢ | 0.15 h/day | $1.25 |
| Electric water heater (elements) | 4,500 W | 82¢ | 3 h/day | $75.14 |
| Well pump | 1,000 W | 18¢ | 1 h/day | $5.57 |
| Sump pump | 800 W | 15¢ | 0.5 h/day | $2.23 |
| Pool pump (1 hp) | 1,100 W | 20¢ | 8 h/day | $48.98 |
| EV charger (Level 2, 32 amp) | 7,680 W | $1.41 | 2 h/day | $85.50 |
| TV (55-inch LED) | 80 W | 1¢ | 5 h/day | $2.23 |
| Game console (while playing) | 150 W | 3¢ | 2 h/day | $1.67 |
| Desktop computer | 150 W | 3¢ | 6 h/day | $5.01 |
| Laptop | 50 W | 1¢ | 6 h/day | $1.67 |
| Wi-Fi router | 10 W | 0¢ | 24 h/day | $1.34 |
| LED bulb (60 W equivalent) | 9 W | 0¢ | 5 h/day | 25¢ |
| Incandescent bulb (60 W) | 60 W | 1¢ | 5 h/day | $1.67 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my electricity rate?
Divide the total electricity charges on your bill (energy plus delivery, before taxes if you prefer) by the kilowatt-hours you used that month. Many bills also print an average price per kWh. The U.S. average residential rate was 18.31 cents per kWh in July 2026, but rates range from about 11 cents to over 40 cents depending on the state.
What is the difference between watts and kilowatt-hours?
Watts measure how fast an appliance uses power at a given moment. Kilowatt-hours measure how much energy it used over time: a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour uses 1 kWh. Your utility bills you per kWh.
Why does my refrigerator use less than its label wattage suggests?
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners and heaters cycle on and off with a thermostat. The wattage on the label is what they draw while running, but they only run part of each hour. That is why the calculator uses an average draw for fridges and freezers.
Is it cheaper to run appliances at night?
Only if your utility charges time-of-use rates, where power costs less during off-peak hours. On a flat rate, a kilowatt-hour costs the same at 2 a.m. as at 2 p.m. Check your bill or your utility’s website for your rate plan.
Sources and method
- Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: Average Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by End-Use Sector U.S. Energy Information Administration
- Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Saver (archived copy, 2025)
- Energy Series: Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use Virginia Cooperative Extension
Last reviewed . Results are estimates for planning; they do not replace an on-site assessment by a qualified professional.