Appliance Running Cost Calculator
Calculate the energy consumption (kWh) and running cost of any household appliance from its power rating in Watts or kW, daily hours used, and electricity rate.
Appliance Power & Usage Schedule
90.00 kWh consumed over 30 days
Appliance Energy & Running Cost Formula
Period Cost = [ (Watts ÷ 1,000 × Active Hours/Day) + (Standby Watts ÷ 1,000 × Idle Hours/Day) ] × Days × Rate ($/kWh)- Power in Kilowatts (kW) = Power in Watts (W) ÷ 1,000.
- Daily Energy (kWh) = Active kW × Hours Used per Day + Standby kW × (24 − Hours Used per Day).
- Running Cost = Energy Consumed (kWh) × Electricity Price per kWh.
Step-by-Step Worked Example
Calculation Steps:
- Daily Energy Consumption = (1,200W ÷ 1,000) × 1.5 hours = 1.80 kWh/day
- 30-Day Period Consumption = 1.80 kWh/day × 30 days = 54.0 kWh
- 30-Day Running Cost = 54.0 kWh × $0.168 = $9.07 ($110.38/year)
How to Use This Calculator
- 1Enter the power rating of your appliance and choose Watts (W) or Kilowatts (kW).
- 2Input the average hours used per day and the number of operating days in your billing period.
- 3Enter your electricity rate per kWh and optional standby power draw when idle.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Assumes the appliance draws its rated average wattage continuously during the active usage hours.
- Standby power (if entered) is applied to the remaining hours of the 24-hour day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find the wattage of a household appliance?
Check the UL/ETL compliance sticker on the back or bottom of the appliance, or in the user manual. If only Amps (A) and Volts (V) are listed, multiply Amps × Volts = Watts (e.g., 10A × 120V = 1,200W).
What is standby or vampire power?
Many electronics (TVs, game consoles, smart appliances, microwaves with digital clocks) draw 1 to 15 Watts continuously while plugged in and turned off.
Which household appliances cost the most to run?
Appliances that generate heat or cool air—such as HVAC systems, electric water heaters, clothes dryers, space heaters, and electric ovens—consume the most electricity.
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