When purchasing a new appliance, consider the second price tag - how much it costs to operate. Appliances that are less expensive to purchase initially may have higher operating costs. Family habits and size will impact usage. For a guide to help calculate energy use for additional appliances and equipment, a copy of the brochure Use Energy Wisely is available. A few energy savings tips are available in the brochure 101 Ways to Save Energy. If the page appears too large please reduce the magnification. These are general tips and may not fit every households energy situation.
Appliances bearing the Energy Star® tag are good choices, as they have been tested for efficient energy usage.
This is a list of common household appliances with estimates of wattage and usage (excludes base charge).
For more information about Energy Star®, visit http://www.energystar.gov.
Appliance |
Estimated Wattage |
Average Hours/Month |
Average kWh/Month |
Monthly Fergus (.1243 kWh charge) |
Clothes Dryer |
4,500 |
24 |
108.00 |
$13.43 |
Clothes Dryer, Energy Star® |
360 |
18 |
3.48 |
0.44 |
Computer, Laptop |
54 |
60 |
3.24 |
0.41 |
Computer, Desktop |
250 |
60 |
15.00 |
1.87 |
Computer, Monitor |
225 |
60 |
13.50 |
1.68 |
Computer, Printer, Desk Jet |
48 |
8 |
.38 |
0.05 |
Computer, Printer, Laser Jet |
576 |
8 |
4.61 |
0.58 |
Dishwasher |
1,200 |
30 |
36.00 |
4.48 |
Dishwasher, Energy Star® |
450 |
30 |
13.50 |
1.68 |
DVD Player |
14 |
12 |
.17 |
0.03 |
Freezer, Stand Alone |
425 |
720 |
306.00 |
38.04 |
Hot Tub (Heater and Pump) |
5,560 |
45 |
250.20 |
31.10 |
Television, Big Screen, Color |
250 |
120 |
30.00 |
3.73 |
Television, Color |
150 |
30 |
4.50 |
0.56 |
Video Game Player |
79 |
30 |
2.37 |
0.30 |
Hot Water Heater (Standard) |
2500 |
160 |
400 |
49.72 |
Hot Water Heater (Quick Recovery) |
4500 |
111 |
500 |
62.15 |