How to Calculate Electricity Cost
Daily kWh = Watts × Hours/Day ÷ 1000
Monthly Cost = Daily kWh × 30 × Rate ($/kWh)
Monthly Cost = Daily kWh × 30 × Rate ($/kWh)
Common Appliance Costs (at $0.16/kWh)
- LED Bulb (10W, 8 hrs): ~$0.47/month
- Refrigerator (500W, 24/7): ~$58/month
- Central AC (5kW, 8 hrs): ~$192/month
- EV Charger (4kW, 3 hrs): ~$58/month
- Desktop PC (300W, 10 hrs): ~$14/month
Tips to Save on Electricity
- Switch to LED bulbs — 75% less energy than incandescent
- Unplug electronics when not in use (vampire power)
- Use a programmable thermostat for heating/cooling
- Run dishwasher and laundry during off-peak hours
- Consider time-of-use rates from your utility company
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kWh? A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the standard unit of energy. It equals using 1,000 watts for one hour (e.g., a 100W bulb for 10 hours).
What's the average electricity rate? The US average is about $0.16/kWh, but ranges from $0.10 (LA, TX) to $0.35+ (CA, CT, HI).