EIA Electric Power Monthly - Updated March 2026

How Much Does It Cost to Run an Appliance?

At the US average residential rate of 18.56c/kWh (March 2026, EIA), the table below shows what each common household appliance costs to run, per hour and per month, ranked from the most expensive down. The big costs are heat and long run-times: water heating, air conditioning, space heaters and electric dryers. A TV or fan costs only a few dollars a month.

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Appliance Running Cost, Ranked (US Average, 18.56c/kWh)

Per-hour cost is while the appliance is actually drawing power. Monthly cost applies the realistic usage shown in each row at 18.56c/kWh (March 2026). Wattages are typical mid-points and vary by model, size and efficiency.

Appliance	Watts	Typical use	Per hour	Per month
Central air conditioner	3,500	8 hrs/day in cooling season	$0.650	$156
Electric water heater (tank)	4,500	Element heats ~3 hrs/day total	$0.835	$75
Electric space heater	1,500	8 hrs/day; thermostat cuts real use	$0.278	$67
Hot tub / spa	1,500	Heater + pump cycling, 6 hrs/day equiv.	$0.278	$50
Pool pump	1,100	8 hrs/day filtering	$0.204	$49
Window air conditioner	900	8 hrs/day in cooling season	$0.167	$40
Dehumidifier	500	12 hrs/day, humid months	$0.093	$33
Electric oven / range	2,400	1 hr/day cooking	$0.445	$13
Desktop / gaming PC	300	6 hrs/day under load	$0.056	$10
Electric clothes dryer	3,000	~45 min/load, 5 loads/week	$0.557	$9.0
Dishwasher	1,800	~1 hr/load incl. heated dry, 5/week	$0.334	$7.1
Refrigerator	150	On 24/7; compressor cycles ~1/3 of the time	$0.028	$6.7
Ceiling fan	60	12 hrs/day	$0.011	$4.0
LED TV (55-inch)	100	5 hrs/day	$0.019	$2.8
Washing machine	500	~45 min/load, 5 loads/week	$0.093	$1.5
Hair dryer	1,500	~10 min/day	$0.278	$1.4
Microwave	1,000	~15 min/day	$0.186	$1.4

Thermostat-controlled devices (heaters, AC, refrigerators) cycle on and off, so real-world cost is often well below the always-on figure. For a precise number at your own rate and run-time, use the watts-to-cost calculator, and check your state rate on rates by state.

The Formula (US Department of Energy)

1. Wattage to daily kWh

(Wattage x hours used per day) / 1,000 = daily kilowatt-hours. The DOE Energy Saver guide uses exactly this. The wattage is on the nameplate or in the manual; if only amps are listed, watts = amps x volts (120V for most US outlets).

2. Multiply by your rate

Daily kWh x your price per kWh = daily cost. At the US average of 18.56c/kWh that is $0.1856 per kWh. Find your own rate on your bill or on our rates-by-state page.

3. Scale to a month or year

Multiply daily cost by 30 for a month or 365 for a year. For heaters, AC and fridges that cycle on and off with a thermostat, use roughly half the always-on figure for a realistic estimate.

Related Tools and Pages

Watts to Cost

Cost per hour, day, month and year for any wattage.

Bill Calculator

Full monthly bill estimator by state and usage.

EV Charging Cost

Cost to charge any EV at home or public DC fast.

Rates by State

Residential rate for all 50 states plus DC.

Frequently Asked Questions

What household appliance costs the most to run?+

Among everyday appliances, the central air conditioner typically costs the most, around $156 per month at the US average residential rate of 18.56c/kWh (March 2026, EIA Electric Power Monthly). High-wattage devices that produce heat or run for long stretches dominate the bill: water heating, air conditioning, space heaters, and electric dryers. Low-wattage electronics like a TV or LED bulb cost only a few dollars a month even when used daily.

How much does it cost to run a space heater per month?+

A 1,500-watt space heater costs about $0.28 per hour at the US average of 18.56c/kWh. Running it 8 hours a day works out to roughly $67 per month, though a built-in thermostat cycles the heater on and off so real-world cost is usually 40-70% of that. In high-rate states like California or Hawaii the same use can cost two to three times more.

How much does it cost to run a central air conditioner?+

A typical central air conditioner draws about 3,500 watts while running, costing roughly $0.65 per hour at the US average rate. Running 8 hours a day during the cooling season that is about $156 per month. Actual cost depends on the unit's size (tonnage and SEER rating), your home's insulation, the outdoor temperature, and your local electricity rate.

How much electricity does a refrigerator use per month?+

A modern refrigerator draws about 150 watts while the compressor runs, but it cycles on and off roughly a third of the day, so it uses around 36 kWh per month. At the US average of 18.56c/kWh that is about $7 per month. Older or larger units, and a second garage fridge, can use considerably more.

How do I calculate the cost to run any appliance?+

Use the formula the US Department of Energy recommends: (wattage x hours used per day) / 1,000 = daily kWh. Multiply daily kWh by your electricity rate in dollars per kWh for a daily cost, then by 30 for a month. For example, a 1,200-watt appliance used 2 hours a day is (1,200 x 2) / 1,000 = 2.4 kWh/day; at 18.56c/kWh that is $0.45 a day, or about $13 a month. The wattage is on the appliance nameplate; if only amps are listed, watts = amps x volts (120V for most US outlets).