How to Figure Operating Costs

How much does it cost to operate an appliance? Just follow these simple steps to find out:

• Find the wattage rating on the back or bottom of your appliance. If there is an amperage rating instead, multiply the amps times the volts to calculate the watts. (amps x volts = watts)
  Example: A microwave oven rated at 6 amps and 120 volts would use 720 watts of electricity. (6 amps x 120 volts = 720 watts)
• Divide the appliance wattage by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.
  Example: 720 watts divided by 1,000 = .72 kilowatts
• Multiply the kilowatts by the number of hours it is on.
  Example: Your microwave runs for 90 minutes.
  1.5 hours x .72 kilowatts = 1.08 kilowatt hours
• Multiply the kilowatt hours by 8.15 cents (current kilowatt hour cost for residential service)
  Example: 1.08 kilowatts hours x .0815 = $.0880
  The cost to use a 720-watt microwave oven for 90 minutes is just under 9.0 cents!

Keep in mind that:

• Appliances with a thermostat will not run 100% of the time.
• Electric motors use approximately 750 watts per hour horsepower.