The first step in calculating the cost per kWh of an appliance is to determine its wattage. This information can typically be found on the appliance's label or in its user manual. If you are unable to find the wattage, you can use a watt meter to measure the amount of power the appliance uses.
The next step is to determine the cost of electricity in your area. In Australia, the cost of electricity can vary depending on the state and the provider, but on average it ranges from around 20 cents to 35 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This information can be found on your utility bill or by contacting your utility company.
To calculate the cost per hour of an appliance, you need to convert the wattage to kilowatt-hours (kWh) by dividing by 1000. So, for an 800 watt appliance, the calculation would be: 800 watts / 1000 = 0.8 kWh.
Then, you would multiply the number of kWh by the cost per kWh. For example, if the cost of electricity in your area is $0.25 per kWh, you would calculate the cost per hour as follows: 0.8 kWh x $0.25/kWh = $0.20 per hour.
So, in this example, it would cost $0.20 to run an 800 watt appliance for one hour at $0.25 per kilowatt-hour.
It's important to remember that the cost per kWh will vary depending on the appliance's usage, the cost of electricity in your area, and the length of time the appliance is in use. By understanding how to calculate the cost per kWh of an appliance, you can make more informed decisions about your energy usage and potentially save money on your utility bills.
It's also worth to mention that this is just a rough estimate, it's always good to check with your energy provider what is the cost of electricity for your specific location. Additionally, you can also consider investing in energy-efficient appliances, which can help reduce your energy costs over time.
In conclusion, calculating the cost per kWh of an appliance is a simple process that can help you understand your energy usage and costs. By understanding this information, you can make more informed decisions about your energy usage and potentially save money on your utility bills.