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Appliance Electricity Cost Calculator
Pick an appliance or enter its wattage to see what it costs to run. Add several to your list to see which ones are actually driving up your electric bill.
Typical values. Check the label or manual for your exact model.
19¢ is roughly the 2026 U.S. average. Your bill lists your actual rate.
Add appliances to compare them and see your total.
How much electricity do common appliances use?
Here are typical costs at the 2026 U.S. average of about 19¢ per kWh. Your numbers will vary with your model and how you use it.
| Appliance | Typical use | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|
| LED TV (100 W) | 4 hrs/day | $2.28 |
| Gaming PC (400 W) | 4 hrs/day | $9.12 |
| Refrigerator (60 W avg.) | 24 hrs/day | $8.21 |
| Window AC (900 W) | 8 hrs/day | $41.04 |
| Electric clothes dryer (3,000 W) | 1 hr/day | $17.10 |
| Space heater (1,500 W) | 8 hrs/day | $68.40 |
The pattern is clear: anything that makes heat or cold (heaters, dryers, ovens, AC) costs far more than electronics. A TV is rarely the problem on your bill.
How to calculate an appliance's electricity cost
Dividing watts by 1,000 converts to kilowatts. Multiply by hours to get kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is what your utility bills you for. Then multiply by your rate.
For example, a 400 W gaming PC used 4 hours a day: 0.4 × 4 = 1.6 kWh per day. At 19¢, that's about 30¢ a day, or $9.12 a month.
Finding your appliance's wattage
- Check the label. Most appliances have a sticker on the back or bottom listing watts (W) or amps (A).
- Convert amps to watts. In the U.S., multiply amps by 120 for a standard outlet. A device rated 10 A draws up to about 1,200 W.
- Use a plug-in power meter. For appliances that cycle on and off, like fridges, a cheap plug-in energy meter shows real usage over a day or week.
Frequently asked questions
Which appliances use the most electricity?
Appliances that heat or cool use the most: central and window AC, electric furnaces and space heaters, water heaters, clothes dryers and ovens. Electronics like TVs, laptops and phone chargers use very little by comparison.
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator?
A modern refrigerator averages around 50 to 70 watts over a full day because the compressor cycles on and off. At about 19¢ per kWh, that works out to roughly $7 to $10 per month. Older fridges can use two or three times as much.
Does unplugging appliances save money?
A little. Devices on standby draw a few watts each, which can add up to a few dollars a month across a whole home. The bigger savings come from using heating and cooling appliances less.
How do I find my electricity rate?
Your electric bill lists it, usually as a price per kWh. If your bill splits supply and delivery charges, add them together for your true rate.