Appliance cost calculator
Choosing one fills in typical watts and hours. Change either one to match yours.
Use the price from your bill if you know it.
Cost to run
The watts and hours are typical planning figures. Replace them with the label on your own appliance, or measure it with a plug-in watt meter.
How the presets were set
Each preset is a planning figure, not a lab result. Watts are a typical value for the type of appliance, and the hours are a typical day of use. Appliances that cycle, such as refrigerators and hot tubs, use their 24 hour average instead of the label. Each appliance page lists its own range and the reasoning. Start at the appliance cost hub to see them all ranked.
The label on your own appliance is a better source than any preset. It usually lists watts, or amps and volts. Multiply amps by volts to get watts.
The six largest monthly users in the list
| Appliance | kWh per month | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|
| Crypto Miner | 2,160 | $372 |
| Electric Furnace | 1,800 | $310 |
| Air Conditioner | 840 | $145 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 840 | $145 |
| Heat Pump | 840 | $145 |
| Space Heater | 360 | $62 |
Source: Planning watts and hours from this site, priced at 17.23 cents per kWh, the 2025 US residential average from EIA Form EIA-861. Heating and cooling presets assume a day of use, not a full month.
How to measure the real number
A plug-in watt meter shows what a 120 volt appliance draws and how many kWh it has used. Leave it on a refrigerator for a few days to get a real average. It cannot measure 240 volt appliances such as dryers, ranges and central air conditioners. For those, use the label, or a whole-home energy monitor installed by an electrician.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate what an appliance costs to run?
Divide its watts by 1,000, multiply by the hours it runs, then multiply by your price per kWh. The calculator does these steps for you and shows the cost per hour, day, month and year.
Which appliances cost the most to run?
Heating, cooling and water heating equipment cost the most, because they draw thousands of watts for many hours. The table above lists the largest monthly users in our presets.
Why are the preset hours not the same as mine?
They are typical days of use. Change the hours to match your habits, and set the days per month for seasonal appliances.
Does standby power count?
Not unless you add it. Many devices draw a few watts while off. Enter that wattage for 24 hours a day if you want to see the cost.