How to Figure Operating Costs

To find out how much is costs to operate your appliance by the hour, follow these simple steps:

1. Find the wattage rating on the back or bottom of your appliance. If there is an amperage rating instead, multiply the amps times the volts to calculate the watts. (amps x volts = watts)
   
   Example: A microwave oven rate at 6 amps and 120 volts would use 720 watts of electricity. (6 amps x 120 volts = 720 watts)
   
2. Divide the appliance wattage by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.
   
   Example: 720 watts divided by 1,000 = .72 kilowatts
   
3. Multiply the kilowatts by 9.735 cents (current kilowatt hour cost for a residential service)
   
   Example: .72 kilowatts x .09735 = .070
   
   The cost to use a 720-watt microwave oven for one hour is 7.0 cents!

Keep in mind that:

• Appliances with a thermostat will not run 100% of the time.
• Electric motors use approximately 750 watts per hour horsepower.