Power Cost Estimator

Common Appliance Wattages

Reference these typical wattages for common appliances:

Understanding Electricity Costs

• Wattage (W) measures how much power an appliance uses at any moment. A 100W light bulb draws 100 watts continuously while on.
• Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is what you pay for on your electric bill. It represents 1,000 watts used for 1 hour. So a 1,000W appliance running for 1 hour consumes exactly 1 kWh.
• Running costs add up quickly — a 1500W space heater running 8 hours daily costs about $58/month at the US average rate. That's nearly $700/year for a single appliance.
• Check your electric bill for your actual rate. The US average is about $0.16/kWh, but rates range from $0.10/kWh in states like Louisiana to over $0.30/kWh in Hawaii and Connecticut.

How to Read Your Electric Bill

Your electricity rate appears on your monthly bill, usually listed as a "price per kWh" or "energy charge." Some utilities have tiered pricing, where the first block of kWh (e.g., the first 500 kWh) is cheaper, and usage above that threshold costs more. Others use time-of-use (TOU) rates, where electricity costs more during peak hours (typically 4-9 PM) and less during off-peak times.

To find your effective rate, divide your total electricity charges (excluding fixed fees, taxes, and delivery charges) by the total kWh consumed. This gives you the blended cost per kWh that reflects your actual usage pattern. For the most accurate results, use this blended rate in the calculator above.

Tips for Reducing Electricity Costs

• Switch to LED bulbs: An LED uses 8-10W to produce the same light as a 60W incandescent bulb, saving about $8-10/year per bulb at average US rates.
• Unplug phantom loads: Many devices draw 1-5W even when turned off (TVs, game consoles, chargers). A power strip makes it easy to cut power to multiple devices at once.
• Use appliances during off-peak hours: If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, run dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers late at night or early morning when rates are lower.
• Maintain your HVAC system: Clean or replace air filters every 1-3 months. A dirty filter forces the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption by 5-15%.
• Set thermostat strategically: Each degree of heating or cooling adjustment saves about 1-3% on your energy bill. A programmable thermostat can save $50-150/year.