Energy Cost Calculator for New Appliances

Use this calculator to get a good idea of the bottom-line cost of operating specific models of new appliances.

Appliances are designed to provide many years of trouble-free service. For example, you can expect your new dishwasher to last at least 11 years, and your new range 15 years. Even small differences in annual operating costs can really add up.

1. Enter the kilowatt hours (kWh) Opens in a new window per year rating of your new appliance choice:

2. Multiply your kWh rating by the cost per kWh of electricity in your area. kWh electricity cost:

kWh/year × Electricity cost = $/year

3. Select the type of appliance:

Annual electricity cost ($/year)
×
Appliance life (years)
=
Lifetime electricity cost

Note: Appliances manufactured between 1978 and 1993 were sold with round EnerGuide labels that reported energy consumption on a monthly basis. For a comparison with newer appliances using information from the current rectangular label, multiply the number on the round label by 12.

Repeat the calculation for the various models that you are considering and then compare the second price tags. Remember to multiply by 12 if you are using information from the round EnerGuide label on an older appliance.

What This Second Price Tag Number Means

It's best to consider the final figure as an absolute minimum cost. The energy efficiency of an appliance tends to drop over time: gaskets become worn or loose, refrigerants dissipate slowly into the atmosphere, and cooling coils gather dust, reducing their efficiency. Remember, it is the second price tag that you'll pay every month for the next decade or two.

Keeping the Old Appliance Can Cost You Money

After you have purchased a new appliance, it is tempting to move an old refrigerator or freezer to the basement or garage, but doing so can cost you a lot of money. An old refrigerator can use as much energy as four ENERGY STAR^® qualified refrigerators manufactured in 2005! If you are determined to move your old refrigerator to the basement, you should at least know what it's going to cost. Use the EnerGuide calculator to eliminate the guesswork. Getting rid of your old appliance will make a big difference to your electricity bill. Better yet, dispose of your old refrigerator by recycling it, and keep your root vegetables and beer in a cool place in the basement instead.