Practical numbers for everyday decisions

Know what your home costs before you spend.

Run the numbers on energy, repairs and backup power—using your home, your rate and your habits.

Calculate appliance cost Built on public energy guidance. No sign-up.
Cost to runSample 01

Portable AC

Power draw
1,200 W
Daily use
8 hours/day
Electricity rate
$0.18 /kWh
Days used
30 days
Estimated energy cost$51.84/ month

Three useful starting points

Start with a decision.

Each calculator exposes the assumptions, keeps the math visible and gives you a result you can change—not a generic national average.

01Cost to run

Turn watts, daily use and your electricity rate into a clear monthly and annual cost.

02Repair or replace

Compare a repair quote with replacement cost, remaining life and five years of energy use.

03Backup power

Estimate usable battery capacity and realistic runtime after efficiency losses and reserve.

Appliance energy cost

Use the power label on your appliance and the electricity rate shown on your bill.

Examples are starting points; replace them with the rated watts from your device.
Look for W on the appliance label.
Use your all-in energy rate when available.

Formula: watts ÷ 1,000 × hours per day × days × electricity rate. Cycling appliances and variable-speed equipment can use less than their full rated power.

Method before recommendation

Transparent inputs. Useful ranges. No hidden score.

Electricity calculations use the standard relationship between watts, operating time and kilowatt-hours. Your bill remains the best source for your actual rate.

Repair and runtime estimates are planning tools, not guarantees. We show the assumptions so you can pressure-test the result before making a purchase.

Read our methodology →

Popular household questions

See all guides →
01

Cooling cost guide

How much does a portable air conditioner cost to run?

02

Heating cost guide

How much does a 1,500-watt space heater cost to run?

03

Humidity cost guide

How much electricity does a dehumidifier use?

04

Ventilation cost guide

How much does a window fan cost to run all night?

05

Appliance decision guide

Should you repair or replace an old refrigerator?