How does the Appliance Energy Cost Calculator work?
The calculator converts appliance wattage to kilowatts, adjusts for the number of appliances and duty cycle, multiplies by run time and days, then applies your electricity rate. For a simple single-load calculation without duty cycle, use the Electricity Cost Calculator.
How should you choose wattage and duty cycle?
Use measured power when available, or the rated wattage as an estimate. Duty cycle represents the share of scheduled time the appliance is actually drawing its modeled power. For cooling equipment that cycles, the Air Conditioner Energy Cost Calculator uses the same idea with cooling-specific guidance.
What does the monthly kWh result tell you?
Monthly kWh shows the modeled energy use for the entered period. Multiplying that by your rate produces the cost estimate. If you already know the kWh from a meter or utility portal, the kWh Cost Calculator avoids estimating from wattage.
How can you compare appliance efficiency?
Run the calculator with the old and replacement wattage while keeping quantity and usage constant. For lighting upgrades, the LED Lighting Savings Calculator compares both cases directly. For whole-home totals, use the Home Energy Cost Calculator.
Frequently asked questions about Appliance Energy Cost
Duty cycle is the percentage of the scheduled operating time that the appliance is modeled as drawing its entered power.
Measured wattage is usually more specific to your device and operating mode. Rated wattage can be used as an estimate when measurement is unavailable.
Yes. Enter the number of identical appliances in the quantity field.
Calculate each mode separately or use a representative measured average if you have reliable usage data.
Yes, but refrigerators cycle. Use a realistic duty cycle or, when available, annual kWh information from the product label or manufacturer.
Only if the wattage and time you enter include standby operation.
No. It estimates the energy charge for the modeled appliance use.
Yes. Calculate each appliance with the same usage assumptions and compare kWh and cost.
Sources and methodology
The calculator uses the transparent formula described on this page and the values you enter. These authoritative U.S. resources provide context for electricity, home energy, solar, efficiency or safety topics related to this tool.