Practical energy guides for smaller homes
Estimate daily and monthly costs using your own electricity rate. Compare appliances and find practical guides for smaller homes.
Know before you switch on
Estimate a device’s monthly running cost with your own electricity rate.
Open the full calculator →Example inputs, not a US average. Use measured average watts for appliances that cycle.
A good place to begin
Compare window fit, floor space, installation needs and electricity cost assumptions for portable and window ACs. Use a transparent three-season example.
At an illustrative 600W average and $0.18/kWh, eight hours daily costs $25.92 over 30 days. See the assumptions and how to use your own rate.
A practical way to identify heat, review small changes and coordinate with your building manager.
Our approach
Energy decisions depend on your home, your habits and your rate. We show the assumptions so you can make the estimate yours.
How we calculate →Before your next purchase
A repeatable comparison of suitability, electricity use and total cost.
Calculate the purchase premium, annual energy savings and ownership horizon before replacing a working unit.
Understand watts, pints per day and the operating schedule before estimating costs.
New in the library
Compare an appliance rebate with eligibility, timing and the full purchase price. Build separate cash-needed and after-rebate budgets before buying.
Review bills, equipment and daily routines before buying energy-saving products. Build a short action list and separate renter changes from maintenance.
Identify how your apartment heats and bills hot water before estimating savings. Separate electric, gas and shared systems and avoid double counting.