What heating and cooling appliances cost to run
Typical monthly and yearly running cost of 5 heating and cooling appliances, most expensive first.
| Appliance | Power | Typical use | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 W | 8 hours a day on its high setting, November to March | $66.94 | $332.32 |
| Dehumidifier | 785 W | 12 hours a day of running time, May to September | $52.55 | $264.33 |
| Whole-house fan | 495 W | 6 hours a day in the evening, May to September | $16.57 | $83.34 |
| Ceiling fan | 120 W | 8 hours a day, May to September | $5.36 | $26.94 |
| Electric blanket | 100 W | 8 hours a night at full power (double size), November to March | $4.46 | $22.15 |
Questions
Which heating and cooling appliances use the most electricity?
At typical use, space heater costs the most: $332.32 a year (8 hours a day on its high setting, November to March). Electric blanket costs the least: $22.15 a year.
How much do heating and cooling appliances add to the electric bill?
Together, the 5 appliances here would cost about $729.08 a year at the US average of 18.3¢ per kWh, if you had and used all of them as assumed.
How do I work out the cost for my own appliance?
Find the watts on its label, multiply by hours of use and divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by your rate. The calculator does it for you.
Other categories
Sources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Penn State EGEE 102
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: average price of electricity to ultimate customers, residential, June 2026 Figures transcribed from republications of this table on September 26, 2026; pending direct verification from the EIA API.
Usage assumptions (hours a day, season) are ours and listed on the methodology page. Found an error? Tell us.