Power × time
A high-wattage appliance (air con, dryer, oven) or an always-on one (fridge, pool pump) racks up kilowatt-hours fast. Cutting run time or the setting cuts the kWh directly.
What does that appliance actually cost to run?
Pick an appliance, set how long you use it and your electricity rate, and see the cost per day, week and year — instantly.
Estimated running cost
$1,835/year
- Per day it runs$5.04
- Per week$35
- Energy used5,242 kWh/yr
Indicative only — real draw varies by model and setting. Lower your usage rate (or shift to off-peak) and this number drops.
How it works
Two things decide the cost: how much it draws, and your rate
Your usage rate
Every kWh is charged at your plan's usage rate (c/kWh). The same appliance costs a household on 45c far more than one on 25c — which is exactly what a cheaper plan changes.
When you run it
On a time-of-use plan, shifting heavy appliances (dishwasher, pool pump, washing) to off-peak or the solar-soak middle of the day can cut their running cost substantially. See the cheapest times to use power.
See it on your real bill
Lower the rate every appliance is charged at
This calculator uses an estimated rate. Upload a bill and EnergySorted finds the cheapest plan for your actual usage — dropping the c/kWh behind every appliance in your home.
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Questions
Appliance running costs — straight answers
How much does it cost to run an air conditioner in Australia?
A typical split-system pulling around 2.4 kW costs roughly 84c an hour at a 35c/kWh usage rate — so a few dollars a day in summer. Ducted systems draw far more. Use the calculator above with your own rate for a figure specific to you.
How is an appliance’s running cost calculated?
Running cost = power (in kilowatts) x hours used x your usage rate in cents per kWh. A 2000-watt heater run 5 hours a day at 35c/kWh is 2 x 5 x 35 = 350c, or $3.50 a day. The calculator does this for a day, week and year.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
Usually heating and cooling, hot water, and the fridge — plus pool pumps and second fridges that run around the clock. Big, always-on or high-wattage appliances dominate; a phone charger is negligible.
How can I cut my appliance running costs?
Two levers: use the appliance less (shorter runs, lower settings, off-peak timing) and pay a lower rate for the power it uses. EnergySorted finds the cheapest plan for your real usage, which lowers the rate every appliance is charged at.
What usage rate should I put in?
Use the c/kWh usage rate from your electricity bill (often 25–45c). If you’re not sure, 35c is a reasonable Australian average — but comparing plans on your real usage can bring your actual rate down.