How do I figure out what an appliance costs to run?

Take its wattage, multiply by hours used, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by your rate: cost = (watts × hours ÷ 1000) × $/kWh. The calculator does it for you and pre-fills your utility's rate.

Why use kWh instead of watts for a fridge or AC?

Because they cycle on and off. A refrigerator's nameplate might say 150 watts, but it isn't drawing that 24 hours a day — it cycles with the thermostat. For those, we use a realistic daily kWh figure (from DOE/ENERGY STAR), which is far more accurate than watts × 24.

What uses the most electricity in a home?

Typically heating and cooling, then the water heater, then big cyclical loads like the fridge and dryer. Air conditioning alone is about 19% of the average U.S. home's electricity (EIA).

Calculators · Appliance cost

Appliance running-cost calculator

Pick an appliance and we'll estimate what it costs to run — at your utility's actual rate. Cyclical things like fridges and ACs use a realistic energy figure, not nameplate watts, so the number is honest.

StateYour utility

Electricity rate (¢/kWh)Pre-filled with Duquesne Light's current Price to Compare: 12.461¢/kWh (as of 2026-06-14). This is the supply rate; your bill also has delivery charges.

ApplianceEnergy use (kWh per day)Central air conditioner cycles on and off, so we use a typical daily energy figure instead of watts × hours. Cycles on and off — real use depends on climate, runtime, and SEER. Highly climate-dependent. For an exact number, use the kWh/year on its yellow EnergyGuide label ÷ 365.

per day

$3.24

per month

$98.62

per year

$1182.55

A central air conditioner uses about 26 kWh a day, costing roughly $3.24/day or $98.62/month at 12.46¢/kWh.

Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you type is sent anywhere. Estimates only; your actual bill depends on your usage and includes delivery charges on top of the supply rate.

Typical appliance wattage

Representative figures — your model may differ, so the calculator lets you override them.

Cooling & heating

Appliance	Typical watts	Range
Central air conditioner *	3,500 W	3,000–5,000 W
Window / room AC *	1,000 W	500–1,500 W
Heat pump *	4,500 W	3,000–7,000 W
Portable space heater	1,500 W	750–1,500 W
Ceiling fan	60 W	15–100 W
Dehumidifier *	500 W	300–800 W

Kitchen

Appliance	Typical watts	Range
Refrigerator *	150 W	100–400 W
Electric oven / range	3,000 W	2,000–5,000 W
Microwave	1,000 W	600–1,500 W
Dishwasher	1,800 W	1,200–2,400 W
Electric kettle	1,500 W	1,200–1,500 W

Laundry

Appliance	Typical watts	Range
Electric clothes dryer	3,000 W	2,000–5,000 W
Washing machine	500 W	400–1,300 W

Water

Appliance	Typical watts	Range
Electric water heater (tank) *	4,500 W	3,000–5,500 W
Well pump *	1,000 W	500–2,000 W
Pool pump (single-speed)	2,000 W	1,500–2,500 W

Electronics

Appliance	Typical watts	Range
TV (LED, 50–65")	100 W	50–200 W
Gaming console	150 W	90–200 W
Desktop computer	200 W	100–500 W
Laptop	50 W	20–100 W

Other

Appliance	Typical watts	Range
Hair dryer	1,500 W	800–1,875 W
LED bulb	9 W	5–15 W
Incandescent bulb	60 W	40–100 W
EV charger (Level 2)	7,200 W	3,300–11,500 W

* Cycles on and off — the calculator uses a realistic daily kWh figure for these, not watts × hours. Sources: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance & Home Electronic Energy Use, U.S. EIA — Electricity use in homes, ENERGY STAR — Product Finder / EnergyGuide.

Common questions

How do I figure out what an appliance costs to run?: Take its wattage, multiply by hours used, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by your rate: cost = (watts × hours ÷ 1000) × $/kWh. The calculator does it for you and pre-fills your utility's rate.
Why use kWh instead of watts for a fridge or AC?: Because they cycle on and off. A refrigerator's nameplate might say 150 watts, but it isn't drawing that 24 hours a day — it cycles with the thermostat. For those, we use a realistic daily kWh figure (from DOE/ENERGY STAR), which is far more accurate than watts × 24.
What uses the most electricity in a home?: Typically heating and cooling, then the water heater, then big cyclical loads like the fridge and dryer. Air conditioning alone is about 19% of the average U.S. home's electricity (EIA).