Appliance Running Cost Calculator UK (2026)
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Choose an appliance or type in its wattage, set how long you use it, and see the cost instantly. The unit rate is prefilled with the current Ofgem price cap but you can change it to match your own tariff — your bill or app shows your exact p/kWh.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 2,000W electric heater running 5 hours a day costs about £2.63 per day (£958 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £0.53
- Per day
- £2.63
- Per week
- £18
- Per month
- £80
- Per year
- £958
- kWh per year
- 3,640
Based on 2000W ÷ 1,000 × 5h × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Typical UK appliance running costs at 26.32p/kWh
| Appliance | Typical wattage | Cost per hour | Typical use | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric heater | 2,000W | £0.53 | 5 h × 7 days/wk | £958 |
| Oil-filled radiator | 1,500W | £0.28 | 5 h × 7 days/wk | £503 |
| Fan heater | 2,000W | £0.53 | 2 h × 7 days/wk | £383 |
| Electric blanket | 100W | £0.03 | 1 h × 7 days/wk | £10 |
| Heated airer | 300W | £0.08 | 6 h × 3 days/wk | £74 |
| Tumble dryer | 2,500W | £0.66 | 1 h × 4 days/wk | £137 |
| Dehumidifier | 200W | £0.05 | 8 h × 7 days/wk | £153 |
| Air fryer | 1,500W | £0.39 | 30 min × 5 days/wk | £51 |
| Slow cooker | 200W | £0.05 | 8 h × 2 days/wk | £44 |
| Electric oven | 2,400W | £0.38 | 1 h × 5 days/wk | £99 |
| Kettle | 3,000W | £0.79 | 12 min × 7 days/wk | £57 |
| Washing machine | 2,000W | £0.26 | 1 h × 4 days/wk | £55 |
| Dishwasher | 1,800W | £0.24 | 1.5 h × 5 days/wk | £92 |
| Immersion heater | 3,000W | £0.79 | 2 h × 7 days/wk | £575 |
| Electric shower | 9,500W | £2.50 | 10 min × 7 days/wk | £155 |
| Fridge freezer | 150W | £0.01 | 24 h × 7 days/wk | £114 |
What affects the cost
Wattage
Found on the rating plate or in the manual. Cost rises in direct proportion.
Hours of use
The biggest lever you control — halve the hours, halve the cost.
Thermostats and cycling
Ovens, fridges and oil radiators switch on and off, so they draw full power only part of the time.
Your unit rate
Fixed tariffs and time-of-use tariffs differ from the price cap; regional rates vary too.
Settings and programmes
Eco modes, lower temperatures and low heat settings all reduce power draw.
How the calculation works
Running cost (£) = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours × unit rate (p) ÷ 100. For example, a 2,000W heater for 3 hours at 26.32p/kWh: 2 × 3 × 26.32 ÷ 100 = £1.58.
How to reduce the cost
- Check your actual unit rate on your latest bill
- Use a plug-in energy monitor to measure real consumption
- Target the high-wattage appliances you use for long periods
- Shift flexible use (washing, EV charging) to off-peak if you have a time-of-use tariff
- Switch appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the cost of running an appliance?
Multiply the wattage by hours of use, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by your unit rate in pence and divide by 100 for pounds.
What is the current electricity unit rate in the UK?
Under the Ofgem price cap from 1 October 2026 to 31 December 2026, the average Direct Debit rate is 26.32p/kWh with a 54.83p daily standing charge.
Which appliances cost the most to run?
Anything that heats: electric heaters, tumble dryers, immersion heaters and electric showers. Fridges are cheap per hour but run all year.
Does standby use much electricity?
Individually little, but a home full of devices on standby can add £30–£60 a year.
Is the calculator accurate for my tariff?
Yes, if you enter your own unit rate. The default is the GB average price cap rate.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.