Frequently asked questions

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

Multiply its power in watts by the hours it runs and divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours (kWh). Then multiply by your price per kWh. For example, 1,500 W for 2 hours is 3 kWh, which costs $0.60 at an illustrative $0.20 per kWh.

Where do I find an appliance's power use?

Look for the rating label or nameplate, usually on the back or base, or check the manual. Some appliances, such as many refrigerators, carry an energy label showing estimated yearly energy use in kWh, which is often a better guide than the rated wattage.

Where do I find my electricity price?

Your bill or your supplier's tariff lists the price per kWh. If it is shown in cents, convert it to dollars: 15¢ per kWh is $0.15 per kWh.

Does an appliance always use its rated wattage?

Not necessarily. The rating is often the maximum or nominal draw. Appliances with thermostats or compressors, such as heaters, refrigerators and air conditioners, cycle on and off, so their average use can be lower.

Why does the dashboard show a full year for my air conditioner?

Comparison and dashboard figures assume use every week of the year. The air conditioner calculator can also show a separate season estimate from your weeks of use, but that estimate is not saved with the appliance.

Why doesn't the estimate match my bill?

Bills can include fixed charges, taxes, time-of-use or tiered prices and every other appliance in your home. See the disclaimer.

Does this website store my information?

Nothing is sent to us. Your appliance list, electricity price and currency are saved only in your browser on this device, so they are there when you return. Use “Clear saved data” to delete them. See the privacy policy.