Lifestyle & Utility
Electricity Usage Cost Calculator
Calculate the running cost of any appliance based on its wattage, usage hours, and your electricity tariff.
How this calculator works
Converts wattage to kilowatts (W/1000), multiplies by hours per day to get daily kWh consumption. Multiplies by the electricity tariff to get daily cost. Extrapolates to weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual costs based on days per week of usage.
Check the appliance label or manual for wattage
Check your bill. Average Australian rate is ~30c/kWh.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does a heater cost to run?
A 2400W electric heater running 4 hours per day at 30c/kWh costs about $2.88/day or $520/year over winter (6 months). A reverse-cycle air conditioner is 3-5x more efficient — a 2.5kW unit costs about $0.60-$1.00/day.
What appliances use the most electricity?
Biggest energy users in Australian homes: ducted air conditioning (30-40%), electric hot water (20-25%), pool pump (10-15%), clothes dryer (5-10%), and refrigerator (5-8%). Switching to gas or solar hot water and efficient AC makes the biggest impact.
How do I find my appliance wattage?
Check the nameplate label on the appliance (usually on the back or bottom), the user manual, or the manufacturer's website. Common wattages: kettle 2000-2400W, microwave 600-1200W, TV 100-300W, fridge 100-400W, laptop 30-90W.
What is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the energy used by a 1000W appliance running for 1 hour. Your electricity bill charges per kWh consumed. A 2400W heater running for 1 hour uses 2.4 kWh.
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