Water heaters are among the highest energy-consuming appliances in your home. Energy star predicts that households spend between $400 and $600 on heating water every year for things like laundry, showers, and washing dishes, making water heaters the second most energy-consuming appliance in your home.
Luckily, there are some easy ways to save on the costs of heating your water. The first step is understanding how much it costs to use your water heater. Our cost calculator below can help you get an estimate on the power consumption and cost of your water heater. Check it out!
Kilowatts measure the rate at which electricity moves through an appliance. More kilowatts mean more electricity, and bigger water heaters will typically use more watts.
The average water heater runs at around 1125 watts, though some more powerful water heaters can use up to 4000 watts. Check out the specs on the back of your water heater to get the most accurate wattage number. You can also calculate kilowatts by multiplying amps and volts and dividing by 1000.
Kilowatts = (Amps x Volts) / 1000
According to US Energy Information Administration, the average cost of electricity in the U.S. is 13 cents/kWh. However, this number can vary depending on your electricity supplier. Today, people in some states have the power to shop for their electricity and find cheaper rates.
Watts | Cost / hr* | Cost / month* |
---|---|---|
3500 W | 45.5¢ | $27.3 |
Watts | Cost / hr* | Cost / month* |
---|---|---|
4500 W | 58.5¢ | $35.1 |
Watts | Cost / hr* | Cost / month* |
---|---|---|
5500 W | 71.5¢ | $42.9 |
1.
Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR rated water heater
2.
Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120°
3.
Install a low-flow showerhead
4.
Cold wash your laundry
5.
Insulate your water heater
6.
Choose Perch Energy