Appliance True Cost Calculator

Pick an appliance, confirm the wattage and hours per day, and see exactly what it costs to run per day, month, and year at your electricity rate.

1. Choose an appliance

2. Confirm the details

Most portable electric heaters are rated for 1,500 watts on their highest setting — the practical maximum for a standard 15-amp household circuit.

What it costs to run

$2.12Per day
$63.45Per month
$771.98Per year

The formula

kWh/day = watts ÷ 1000 × hours/day
Cost/day = kWh/day × (rate ÷ 100)

That works out to 9.00 kWh per day at the numbers above.

Save on this appliance

These links go to an Amazon search so you can compare current options and prices.

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Frequently asked questions

Why does this differ from my actual utility bill?

Nameplate wattage is often a maximum, not a constant draw. Cycling appliances like fridges, your exact usage pattern, and your utility's rate structure can all shift the real number.

Where do I find my appliance's actual wattage?

Check the nameplate or label on the unit itself, usually on the back or bottom, or the manufacturer spec sheet.

Where do I find my electricity rate?

Check a recent utility bill; it is usually listed per kWh. The default here is a national or state average.

Does this cost anything to use?

No, the calculator is free.