Interactive tool

Running-cost calculator

Pick any of 4,429 ENERGY STAR certified models, or enter a kWh figure and your local electricity rate, and watch the yearly cost update live.

  • 1Pick a category, then a model
  • 2Or drag the kWh slider directly
  • 3Set your local electricity rate
Your setup

Inputs

Defaults use the US average rate of $0.19 per kWh.

15 kWh2850 kWh
$0.08 cheap$0.45 costly
The reading
$64/yr
Per year to keep it running
$ / year · measured against class benchmarks
344 kWhx$0.19x12 mo=$64/yr
Estimate from each model's published annual kWh. Real bills vary with usage, climate and utility fees.

How the calculator works

Pick a category and a model, or drag the kWh slider to any value, then set your local electricity rate. We multiply annual kWh by your rate to estimate what the appliance costs to run for a year, and update the reading live. Every model in the picker is a real ENERGY STAR certified appliance from our index, each with its own category page and model page.

Frequently asked questions

How is running cost calculated?

Annual running cost is the model's published annual kWh (from ENERGY STAR) multiplied by an electricity rate in dollars per kWh. We default to the US average residential rate of $0.1856/kWh (EIA), and you can swap in your own local rate here.

Where does the energy data come from?

Every kWh figure comes from ENERGY STAR Product Finder, United States federal government public-domain data. We do not measure appliances ourselves.

Does this include installation or purchase price?

No. This tool estimates only the ongoing electricity cost to operate a model for one year. It does not include the purchase price, water costs, or installation.

Why does my real bill differ from the estimate?

The estimate uses a published test-cycle energy figure and a flat electricity rate. Real bills vary with how heavily you use the appliance, your climate, your actual utility rate and any tiered pricing or fees.