Energy Cost Calculator
Every appliance comes with a wattage sticker and zero context. This tool turns that number into an annual kilowatt hour estimate and a usage tier, so you can compare two units honestly before you commit. Enter the running wattage from the label, estimate how many hours a day it actually runs, and the tool returns annual energy use plus a tier label from light to heavy. The calculator accounts for duty cycle on appliances that do not run constantly, like refrigerators and dehumidifiers, which is the most common mistake people make when they compare specs. It does not quote rates, because rates vary by region and season, but the kilowatt hour figure slots straight into your utility bill.
Three tips to cut energy use
- Swap incandescent and halogen for LED. The savings pay back the bulb within months on any fixture used more than an hour a day.
- Line dry half your laundry loads. The dryer is typically the second biggest energy hog after heating.
- Put routers, game consoles, and printers on a smart plug that cuts power overnight.
FAQ
Why care about annual energy cost?
Because a cheap appliance with poor efficiency often costs more over a decade than a premium one. Energy cost is the real sticker price for anything that runs daily.
Which appliances eat the most energy?
Dryers, old refrigerators, electric water heaters, and space heaters dominate household bills. Small electronics barely register.
Does standby power matter?
A little. Phantom draw from devices left plugged in adds up over a year but nowhere near what heating or cooling costs.