Appliance running cost calculator

Use your tariff and a realistic power reading

Enter the unit rate from your bill in pence per kWh. The starting value below is an example, not today's UK price cap. A 200 W appliance running continuously for five hours uses 1 kWh. At an example rate of 25p per kWh, that is 25p per day, or £7.50 over 30 identical days.

Rated power is not average consumption

Heaters, compressors and thermostats cycle. A power label often describes a maximum operating input. For a more useful estimate, measure kWh over a representative cycle with a suitable energy monitor, then compare complete jobs: one laundry load dried or one meal cooked. Energy Saving Trust also recommends matching appliance size to the job instead of choosing an oversized model just for its label.

Compare ownership, not just electricity

This calculator excludes standing charges because they are not added by switching on one appliance. It also excludes filters, bags and replacement parts. A cheaper unit can cost more to own if its consumables are expensive. Put annual filter or bag costs alongside the electricity estimate before comparing models.

Your pre-purchase checklist

• Use your actual pence-per-kWh rate.
• Compare equivalent jobs and operating modes.
• Add consumables separately; do not interpret this estimate as measured product efficiency.