Use this calculator to determine the running electricity cost of any appliance per hour, day, or month, allowing you to manage your energy consumption and reduce utility bills.
Calculate Electricity Cost Per Hour
Electricity Cost Per Hour Formula
The calculation is based on converting the appliance’s power consumption from Watts to Kilowatt-hours (kWh) and multiplying by the local electricity rate.
Variables
The calculator requires the following three key pieces of information:
- Appliance Power (Watts, W): The amount of electricity the device uses when running. This is usually listed on the appliance label or in the user manual. (1000 Watts = 1 Kilowatt).
- Electricity Rate (Cost per kWh): The price you pay your utility company for one kilowatt-hour of energy. This can be found on your utility bill.
- Daily Usage (Hours per day): The approximate number of hours the appliance runs each day. This is used to extrapolate daily and monthly costs.
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What is Electricity Cost Per Hour?
The electricity cost per hour is a metric that tells you the exact expense of running a specific appliance for 60 minutes. Understanding this cost is crucial for identifying ‘energy hogs’ in your home, which are devices that consume a disproportionate amount of electricity.
Since utility companies charge you based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) of consumption, the first step is always converting the device’s instantaneous power (Watts) into the energy consumed over one hour (kWh). This allows you to accurately apply your local utility rate to the running time.
How to Calculate Electricity Cost (Example)
Let’s calculate the cost for a 1500W space heater with an electricity rate of $0.14/kWh, running 4 hours a day.
- Convert Watts to Kilowatts: Divide the appliance wattage by 1000. $$1500 W \div 1000 = 1.5 kWh$$
- Calculate Cost Per Hour: Multiply the Kilowatt consumption by the electricity rate. $$1.5 kWh \times \$0.14/\text{kWh} = \$0.21 \text{ per hour}$$
- Calculate Daily Cost: Multiply the hourly cost by the daily usage hours. $$\$0.21/\text{hour} \times 4 \text{ hours/day} = \$0.84 \text{ per day}$$
- Calculate Monthly Cost: Multiply the daily cost by an average of 30 days. $$\$0.84/\text{day} \times 30 \text{ days} = \$25.20 \text{ per month}$$
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How is my electricity rate determined?
Your rate is determined by your local utility company and can vary based on the time of day (Time-of-Use rates), the total amount consumed, and local taxes or fees. Always check the “Supply” charge section of your bill for the true cost per kWh.
Which appliances cost the most to run?
Appliances that generate heat or have high-power motors typically consume the most energy. Examples include central air conditioners, electric water heaters, electric clothes dryers, and electric ranges.
Is it cheaper to run appliances at night?
If your utility provider uses a Time-of-Use (TOU) plan, yes. These plans offer lower rates during off-peak hours (usually overnight and on weekends) compared to peak demand hours (typically afternoon/early evening).
What is ‘phantom load’ or ‘vampire power’?
This is the electricity consumed by appliances even when they are turned off or in standby mode (e.g., TVs, phone chargers, gaming consoles). While each device’s load is small, the cumulative cost can add up significantly over a year.