Why use this calculator
With electricity prices at record highs, knowing exactly which appliances cost the most helps you cut your bill where it matters. This calculator shows you the cost of running each appliance so you can make informed decisions about usage.
How to use it
Enter your electricity rate (check your bill — typically $0.25–$0.35/kWh in Australia) and up to 4 appliances with their wattage and daily hours of use. Wattage is usually printed on the appliance or in its manual.
The formula
Daily kWh = Watts ÷ 1000 × Hours. Daily Cost = kWh × Rate. Monthly = Daily × 30. Annual = Daily × 365.
Worked examples
2400W oven (1.5 hrs/day), 1800W dryer (0.5 hrs/day), 150W TV (5 hrs/day) at $0.28/kWh
~$5.08/day, $152/month, $1,854/year
3500W air conditioner running 6hrs/day
~$5.88/day just for the AC — $176/month in summer
When people use it
- Finding your biggest energy consumers
- Comparing energy star ratings in dollar terms
- Estimating cost of running a home office
- Calculating EV home charging cost
Tips
- Air conditioners, electric hot water systems, and dryers are typically the biggest power consumers
- A smart meter or energy monitor can show you real-time usage rather than estimates
- Appliances on standby can use 1-5W continuously — multiply by 8,760 hours in a year
- Solar panels can reduce or eliminate this cost — check the payback period with a solar savings calculator
- Off-peak electricity rates (time-of-use tariffs) can significantly reduce costs for night-time appliances
Questions people ask
- Where do I find my electricity rate?
- Check your electricity bill — it's listed in cents per kWh (e.g., 28c/kWh = $0.28/kWh). Australian rates typically range from $0.20 to $0.45/kWh depending on your state and plan. Compare plans at energymadeeasy.gov.au.
- How many watts does a typical air conditioner use?
- A standard split-system air conditioner uses 1,000–3,500W depending on size and rating. A 2.5kW unit running 6 hours a day at $0.28/kWh costs about $4.20 per day or $126 per month.
- What is a kWh?
- A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the standard unit of electricity. It means using 1,000 watts (1 kilowatt) for 1 hour. A 2,000W appliance running for 30 minutes uses 1 kWh.