How to use this calculator
Enter the wattage and daily usage hours for two appliances you want to compare. The calculator instantly shows you the daily, monthly, and annual energy consumption and cost for each, plus the difference between them over 1, 5, and 10 years.
Not sure what to compare? Use one of the preset comparisons to see how common upgrades stack up. You can also adjust the electricity rate to match your local utility, the default of $0.16/kWh is the approximate U.S. national average.
Understanding Energy Star ratings
The Energy Star label is a government-backed symbol for energy efficiency. Products that earn the Energy Star label meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. When you see the Energy Star label on an appliance, it means that model has been independently certified to use less energy than standard models.
Energy Star appliances typically use 10-50% less energy than their conventional counterparts. The biggest savings come from appliances that run continuously (like refrigerators and freezers) or are used frequently (like washing machines and dishwashers). Even small efficiency gains add up substantially when multiplied over years of daily use.
Phantom loads: the hidden energy drain
Many devices continue drawing power even when they appear to be turned off. This is called a phantom load, standby power, or vampire draw. Common offenders include cable boxes, game consoles, phone chargers, and smart home devices. Individually each device may draw only a few watts, but across dozens of devices in a typical home, phantom loads can account for 5-10% of your total electricity bill.
The simplest solution is to plug groups of devices into smart power strips that cut power completely when not in use. For always-on devices like routers, look for models with the lowest standby power consumption.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run an old refrigerator vs a new one?
An older refrigerator (around 600W) running 24/7 can cost over $800 per year at the national average rate. A modern Energy Star model (around 150W) costs roughly $210 per year, saving over $600 annually by upgrading.
How much do you save switching from incandescent to LED bulbs?
A 60W incandescent bulb used 5 hours a day costs about $17.50 per year. An equivalent 9W LED costs around $2.60, a savings of nearly $15 per bulb. With 30+ bulbs in a typical home, switching entirely to LEDs can save $300-450 per year.
What is a phantom load and how much does it cost?
A phantom load is the electricity used by devices when they're turned off but still plugged in. Common culprits include game consoles, cable boxes, and chargers. The average U.S. home spends $100-200 per year on phantom loads alone.
Is it worth buying an Energy Star appliance?
In most cases, yes. Energy Star appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard models. While they may cost more upfront, the energy savings typically pay back the price difference within 2-5 years, and you continue saving for the life of the appliance.