Which Appliances Cost the Most to Run?

Not all appliances are equal. Electric dryers, electric water heaters, and HVAC systems are the biggest energy consumers in most homes. Understanding the cost of each appliance helps you make smarter decisions about usage and upgrades.

Biggest Energy Hogs

  • Electric dryer: ~$130/year (run daily)
  • Refrigerator: ~$60–80/year (runs 24/7)
  • Electric oven: ~$60/year (1 hr/day)
  • Window AC: ~$110/year (8 hrs/day in summer)
  • EV charger (Level 2): ~$500–700/year depending on rate

How to Calculate kWh

The formula is simple: kWh = (Watts × Hours) ÷ 1,000. Multiply by your electricity rate to get the cost. Our calculator does this automatically — just enter your appliance's wattage.