Find out how much it really costs to run your appliances. Select from common device presets or enter custom wattage, set your electricity rate and daily usage hours, and see the cost per day, month, and year instantly.
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US avg: $0.16/kWh
Electricity consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh equals using 1,000 watts for one hour. A 100-watt light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh. Your electricity bill shows total kWh consumed and the rate you pay per kWh (the US average is about $0.16/kWh, but it ranges from $0.10 in Louisiana to $0.36 in Hawaii). Understanding this simple relationship — watts × hours ÷ 1000 = kWh — lets you estimate the cost of running any appliance.
Heating and cooling typically account for 40–50% of a home's electricity bill. Water heating is next at 12―18%. Large appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer) use 10–15%. Electronics, lighting, and small appliances make up the rest. Space heaters (1,500W) and window AC units (1,200W) are especially expensive — running one for 8 hours daily can add $35–45 to your monthly bill. LED bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescents.
Many devices draw power even when "off" — this is called phantom or standby power. TVs, gaming consoles, chargers, and smart devices collectively can add $100–200/year to your bill. Using smart power strips that cut power when devices are idle is one of the easiest savings. Other high-impact steps: upgrading to Energy Star appliances, sealing air leaks, using a programmable thermostat, and running the dishwasher/laundry during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing.