A 1,500 W space heater running 6 hours a day uses 274 kWh a month, which costs $41.06 at $0.15 per kWh; a refrigerator costs about $5.48.
| Appliance | Watts | Hours per day | kWh per month | Cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED bulb | 10 | 5 | 1.5 | $0.23 |
| Laptop | 50 | 8 | 12.2 | $1.83 |
| Ceiling fan | 75 | 8 | 18.3 | $2.74 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 | 24.3 | $3.65 |
| Flat-screen TV | 120 | 5 | 18.3 | $2.74 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 | 36.5 | $5.48 |
| Desktop computer with monitor | 200 | 6 | 36.5 | $5.48 |
| Clothes washer | 500 | 1 | 15.2 | $2.28 |
| Window air conditioner | 900 | 8 | 219.0 | $32.85 |
| Microwave oven | 1,000 | 0.25 | 7.6 | $1.14 |
| Coffee maker | 1,000 | 0.25 | 7.6 | $1.14 |
| Toaster | 1,100 | 0.1 | 3.3 | $0.50 |
| Vacuum cleaner | 1,200 | 0.15 | 5.5 | $0.82 |
| Clothes iron | 1,200 | 0.25 | 9.1 | $1.37 |
| Hair dryer | 1,500 | 0.25 | 11.4 | $1.71 |
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 | 273.8 | $41.06 |
| Dishwasher | 1,800 | 1 | 54.8 | $8.21 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 | 91.3 | $13.69 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 | 410.6 | $61.59 |
How it is computed
kWh per month = watts × hours per day × 365 ÷ 12 ÷ 1,000; cost = kWh × price. Wattages are typical values within the U.S. Department of Energy ranges; hours per day average occasional use over the year. For a refrigerator, 8 hours is the time its compressor actually runs. Check the label on your own appliance for its wattage.
FAQ
How do I find my appliance's wattage?+
It is on the nameplate or in the manual. If only amps are listed, multiply by the voltage (120 V or 240 V).
Why is my bill higher than the table?+
Bills add fixed delivery charges, taxes and tiered rates, and heating, cooling and hot water usually dominate household use.