Electricity Expense Calculator
Estimate the energy consumption and cost of your household appliances.
How to Calculate Electricity Costs
Understanding how much electricity your appliances use is the first step toward reducing your monthly utility bill. The cost depends on three main factors: the wattage of the device, how long you use it, and the rate charged by your power company.
The mathematical formula used by this calculator is:
Total Cost = Energy (kWh) × Electricity Rate
Finding Your Appliance Wattage
Most appliances have a label or sticker on the back or bottom that lists the power consumption in Watts (W). For example, a standard microwave might be 1,200 watts, while an LED light bulb might only be 9 watts. If the label only lists Amps (A) and Volts (V), you can calculate Watts by multiplying them: Watts = Amps × Volts.
Typical Wattage of Common Household Items
| Appliance | Average Wattage |
|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioner | 3000 – 5000W |
| Water Heater | 4000W |
| Clothes Dryer | 2000 – 5000W |
| Refrigerator (Energy Star) | 100 – 200W |
| Desktop Computer | 60 – 250W |
| Laptop | 20 – 50W |
Example Calculation
Suppose you use a 1500W space heater for 8 hours a day during the winter. If your electricity rate is $0.15 per kWh, here is how the 30-day cost is calculated:
- Daily Consumption: (1500W × 8h) / 1000 = 12 kWh per day
- Monthly Consumption: 12 kWh × 30 days = 360 kWh
- Monthly Cost: 360 kWh × $0.15 = $54.00
Tips to Reduce Electricity Expenses
1. Switch to LED: LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
2. Unplug "Phantom" Loads: Many devices like chargers and game consoles draw power even when turned off. Use smart power strips to cut power completely.
3. Maintain HVAC Systems: Clean air filters and annual maintenance ensure your heating and cooling systems run at peak efficiency.