Quick Calculator
Daily Cost
Weekly Cost
Monthly Cost
Yearly Cost
Multi-Appliance Mode — Total Household Cost
Use the calculator above to set wattage & hours, then click the button below to add it to your household list.
10 Tips to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
LEDs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25× longer. Replacing 20 bulbs saves roughly $150/year.
Adjusting temperature by 7–10°F for 8 hours daily can save up to 10% on heating and cooling costs annually.
Devices on standby (TVs, chargers, game consoles) can add $100–$200/year. Use smart power strips to cut them off automatically.
If your utility offers time-of-use rates, run your dishwasher, washer, and dryer during evenings or weekends for lower rates.
Weatherstripping and caulking around windows and doors can save 15% on heating and cooling. Check attic insulation too.
Energy Star refrigerators use 9% less energy; washers use 25% less energy and 33% less water than standard models.
Fans cost about $0.01/hour and can make a room feel 4°F cooler, letting you raise the thermostat.
About 90% of washing machine energy goes to heating water. Cold-water washing saves ~$60/year and is gentler on fabric.
Skip the heated dry cycle on your dishwasher. Hang-dry clothes when possible — dryers use ~5,000W per cycle.
Depending on your location and roof, solar can eliminate 70–100% of your electric bill. Try our solar panel calculator to estimate savings.
How to Calculate Electricity Cost
Your electricity bill is determined by total kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed during a billing period. The formula is straightforward:
For example, running a 1,500-watt space heater for 8 hours per day at the US average rate of $0.16/kWh costs $1.92 per day or about $57.60 per month. This calculator automates that math and lets you see how individual appliances contribute to your total bill.
What Is a Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)?
A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy equal to using 1,000 watts of power for one hour. A 100W light bulb running for 10 hours uses exactly 1 kWh. Your electric bill charges you based on total kWh consumed each billing period — understanding this unit is the key to managing your electricity costs.
Average Electricity Costs by Appliance
Heating and cooling systems are typically the biggest electricity consumers in any home. Central AC units draw around 3,500W, making them expensive to run during summer months. Electric water heaters (4,500W) and clothes dryers (5,000W) are the next largest consumers. Even relatively low-wattage appliances like refrigerators (150W) add up because they run 24/7 — costing roughly $5–6 per month at average rates.
US Average Electricity Rate
The national average residential electricity rate is approximately $0.16 per kWh. However, rates vary dramatically by state. Hawaii leads with rates exceeding $0.40/kWh, while Louisiana, Washington, and Idaho typically see rates under $0.10/kWh. Check your utility bill for your exact rate — it's usually listed as "cost per kWh" or "energy charge."
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my electricity cost?
Multiply the appliance wattage by hours used per day, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by your electricity rate ($/kWh). For example, a 1,500W space heater running 8 hours at $0.16/kWh costs: 1,500 × 8 ÷ 1,000 × $0.16 = $1.92/day.
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
The average residential rate is about $0.16/kWh. Hawaii has the highest rates (over $0.40/kWh) and states like Louisiana and Washington have some of the lowest (under $0.10/kWh).
How many kWh does the average household use per month?
The average US household uses about 886 kWh per month (~$142/month at the national average rate). Usage varies by region, climate, home size, and occupants.
What appliances use the most electricity?
Central AC (3,500W), electric water heaters (4,500W), clothes dryers (5,000W), space heaters (1,500W), and electric ovens (2,500W) are the biggest consumers. HVAC typically accounts for the largest share of household bills.
How can I lower my electricity bill?
Switch to LED bulbs, use a programmable thermostat, unplug phantom loads, run appliances during off-peak hours, upgrade to Energy Star appliances, seal air leaks, and consider solar panels.
What is a phantom load?
A phantom load (vampire power) is electricity consumed by devices that are plugged in but turned off or in standby — TVs, computers, chargers, and game consoles. These can add $100–$200/year to your bill. Smart power strips eliminate this waste automatically.
Why does my refrigerator cost so much to run?
Although refrigerators have relatively low wattage (~150W average), they run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That continuous operation adds up to roughly 1,300 kWh/year — about $210 at average rates.
Related Calculators
- Solar Panel Calculator — Estimate savings from going solar based on your location and roof size
- BTU Calculator — Size your AC or heater correctly for any room