How to Use the Seasonal Appliance Budget Calculator
Seasonal appliances like fans, space heaters, and dehumidifiers only run part of the year, but their running cost still adds up on top of the purchase price. This calculator adds the average purchase price to the estimated electricity cost for your hours and days of use, so you can budget for the full season.
Power draw varies a lot by appliance. A space heater draws around 1,200W, far more than a fan's roughly 50W, so long run times can push up your bill quickly — using a thermostat setting or timer helps control that. Dehumidifiers tend to run longer during humid stretches, so their cost adds up over the season.
The calculator uses the average U.S. residential electricity rate of about $0.17/kWh; your actual utility rate may differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Space heaters draw the most power, so they carry the biggest electricity cost. Using a thermostat or timer to limit run time helps reduce the bill.
It uses the average U.S. residential rate of about $0.17 per kWh. Your actual rate depends on your utility and plan.