How Much does Your Appliances Cost to Operate?

Only when our kids become adults will they appreciate why we want them to turn off the lights—it costs hard-earned money to pay the bills. The following formula will help you figure out how much each appliance is costing to operate. Being aware of these costs will bring about a greater appreciation for conservation and will save you more than a few dollars in the process.

The cost to operate appliances is based on the following:

1. The cost of fuel
2. The time the appliance is operating
3. The fuel type and quantity required

To determine the monthly cost to operate electric appliances or lighting, you need to multiply the wattage of the appliances or lighting by the number of hours each is used per day. Then multiply this by the number of days in the month times the cost of the fuel.

Here's an example:
4,500 watts (water heater) divided by 1,000 X approximately 6 hours per day X 30 days X .11¢ per kwh of electricity. Multiply this times 12 for the annual cost.

• 4,500 watts divided by 1,000 = 4.5 kilowatts.
• 4.5 kilowatts X 4 hours per day = 18 kilowatts per day.
• 18 kilowatts per day X 30 days = 540 kilowatts per month.
• 540 kilowatts per month X .11¢ kwh = $59.40 per month.
• $59.40 per month X 12 months = $712.80

Here is a list of appliances and their approximate cost to operate.
These figures are based on rates of 11.4¢/kwh (electric)
and 63¢ therm (natural gas):

So when your kids complain about having to run back upstairs to turn off the lights, tell them the exact amount they’re saving the family. If they are smart, they’ll probably ask to use that saved money to buy something valuable, like a carton of ice cream.