See exactly what every appliance costs to run.
Pick an appliance, dial in your hours and your local rate, and get a real-money number — daily, monthly, yearly. 30+ pre-loaded wattages from real-world data.
28.9
kWh/day, US household
$0.16
Avg US electricity rate
$1,700
Yearly home electric bill
Step 1 · Pick an appliance
Pre-loaded wattages, ready to calculate
All wattages reflect typical real-world draw — adjust on the next screen to match your model.
Heating & Cooling
Kitchen
Electronics
Outdoor
Every plug, every watt, every dollar
From the smart meter on the wall to the kitchen on the counter
60W → 9W
Swap incandescent for LED, save ~$8/bulb/year
Always-on loads
Quiet 24/7 draw adds up to ~15% of a US bill
~13% of home use
Kitchen appliances — fridge leads the pack
How to Use the Appliance Cost Calculator
Step 1: Pick Your Appliance
Select from over 30 pre-loaded appliances — from refrigerators and washing machines to space heaters and gaming consoles. Each entry includes a typical wattage based on manufacturer specs and real-world usage data. If your appliance isn't listed, you can enter a custom wattage manually using the number on your appliance's label.
Step 2: Enter Your Usage Hours
Tell the calculator how many hours per day you typically run the appliance. For something like a refrigerator that runs continuously, enter 24 hours. For a microwave you use twice a day for 5 minutes, enter 0.17 hours (10 minutes total). The more accurate your hours, the more precise your cost estimate.
Step 3: Set Your Electricity Rate
The default is the U.S. average of $0.16 per kWh, but your actual rate may differ. Find your rate on your electricity bill under "price per kWh" or "energy charge." Rates typically range from $0.10 in low-cost states to $0.30+ in Hawaii and the Northeast.
Step 4: Review Your Costs
The calculator instantly shows your estimated daily, monthly, and yearly electricity cost for that appliance. Use these numbers to spot the biggest energy consumers in your home, compare appliances before buying, or calculate whether an upgrade to a more efficient model makes financial sense.
Guides & Resources
Most Efficient Appliances
Complete ranking of all appliances by annual operating cost
Electricity Rates by State
Compare average residential rates across all 50 states
How to Save on Energy Bills
Practical tips organized by room with estimated savings
Energy Star Guide
Understand ratings, savings, and ROI on efficient upgrades
Solar Savings Calculator
Estimate how solar panels affect your appliance costs
Cost to Run a Space Heater
The kWh math plus monthly cost tables for a 1500W heater
Cost to Run a Dryer
Per-load cost for a 3,000W vented electric vs heat pump dryer
Cost to Run a Window AC
Hourly and monthly cost tables by BTU size and rate
Cost to Run Central AC
Hourly to seasonal cost tables by tonnage and SEER rating
Cost to Run an Electric Water Heater
Daily kWh by household size plus heat pump vs standard tank cost
Cost to Run a Dishwasher
Per-cycle cost by type and rate, plus how to skip heated dry
Cost to Run a Pool Pump
Single-speed vs variable-speed pump cost across runtimes
Cost to Run a Refrigerator
Annual kWh and cost by fridge type, age, and electricity rate
Cost to Run a Washing Machine
Per-load cost by wash temperature, rate, and machine type
Refrigerator Cost Per Month
Monthly cost by model size: mini, top-freezer, French door, side-by-side
Compare Appliances
Side-by-side cost comparison of 2-3 appliances
10 Appliances Quietly Costing You the Most
The biggest hidden energy drains in a typical home, ranked
Old vs. New Appliances
Break-even math for deciding when an Energy Star upgrade pays off
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run an appliance?
The cost depends on wattage, hours used, and your electricity rate. Use our calculator above — select any appliance and adjust your local rate to see daily, monthly, and yearly costs.
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
The national average is about $0.16 per kWh, but rates vary widely by state — from $0.10 in states like Idaho to over $0.30 in Hawaii and Connecticut.
Which appliances use the most electricity?
Central air conditioners, electric water heaters, and clothes dryers are typically the biggest energy consumers. Space heaters and pool pumps also draw significant power.
How can I reduce my electricity bill?
Use LED bulbs, unplug devices when not in use, run dishwashers and laundry during off-peak hours, and consider upgrading to Energy Star rated appliances.
How do I find my appliance's wattage?
Check the label on the back or bottom of the appliance, look in the owner's manual, or search the model number online. You can also use a kill-a-watt meter for exact readings.