Free Electrical Tool
Appliance Running Cost Calculator
Wondering what an appliance really costs to run? Enter how you use it and your electricity rate for an indicative weekly, quarterly and yearly estimate.
Which appliances quietly cost the most
A few loads dominate most Sydney electricity bills — air conditioning, hot water and, increasingly, EV charging. Knowing roughly what each costs helps you decide where a change is worth it. If your bill has crept up, our guide on why your electricity bill increased walks through the usual causes.
For hot water and pool pumps, shifting use to off-peak can meaningfully lower cost — see the off-peak hot water (controlled load) rules for NSW. If you're weighing up a bigger load, stack everything together in the maximum demand calculator first.
Frequently asked questions
How is the running cost worked out?
We multiply the appliance's typical power draw (in kW) by the hours you use it, the days per week, and 52 weeks, then apply your electricity rate in cents per kWh. All figures are indicative typical values — your actual usage, appliance model and tariff will differ.
What electricity rate should I use?
The calculator defaults to 35 c/kWh, a typical Sydney flat (single-rate) figure. Check your latest bill for your actual usage rate and enter it for a closer estimate. If you're on a time-of-use or controlled-load tariff, the cost varies with when the appliance runs.
How can I reduce what an appliance costs to run?
For hot water and pool pumps, running on off-peak (controlled load) or during daytime solar can lower cost. A heat pump hot water system uses roughly a third of the energy of resistive electric storage. For big loads it can be worth an electrician's assessment before you invest.
Are these numbers exact?
No — they're indicative estimates using conservative typical power figures. Real running costs depend on your specific appliance, how hard it works, ambient conditions and your tariff. A licensed electrician can assess your actual loads and switchboard if you're planning changes.