Home Energy Calculators

Six free tools to find out exactly what your home costs to run — and where you can save the most.

6 Calculators Free, No Signup Based on DOE & ENERGY STAR Data

🔌 Appliance Cost Calculator

4 hrs
7 days

US average is 13¢. Check your utility bill for your exact rate.

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Select an appliance and hit Calculate to see your exact cost breakdown.

🌡️ Heating & Cooling Calculator

8 hrs
4 mo
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Enter your system details to see seasonal and annual heating or cooling costs.

☀️ Solar Savings Calculator

South or west-facing, unshaded roof area.

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Enter your bill and roof details to see estimated solar savings and payback period.

🚿 Water Heating Calculator

3 people
8 min
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Enter your household details to see water heating costs and compare alternatives.

💡 Lighting Cost Calculator

25 bulbs
5 hrs
💡

Enter your lighting details to compare the annual cost of every bulb type side by side.

📊 Home Energy Score

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Answer the 8 questions to get your home's energy efficiency score and top savings opportunities.

Common Questions

How do I find my electricity rate?
Your electricity rate (in cents per kWh) is printed on your monthly utility bill. Look for "rate," "price per kWh," or divide your total bill by total kWh used. The US average is about 13¢/kWh, but it ranges from roughly 10¢ in parts of the South to 25¢+ in Hawaii and the Northeast.
How accurate are these calculators?
These calculators use standard wattage figures and efficiency ratings from the US Department of Energy and the EPA ENERGY STAR database. Real-world results vary based on your specific appliance model, usage habits, and local rates. Treat results as solid estimates — accurate enough to prioritize where to focus your energy-saving efforts.
What's a good home energy score?
Our scoring mirrors the DOE Home Energy Score scale of 1–10. A score of 7–10 means your home is highly efficient. 4–6 is average. 1–3 indicates significant savings potential. Most American homes score between 3 and 6, meaning most households have real room to improve.
Is solar worth it for my home?
Solar is generally worth it if you own your home, have a south or west-facing roof with minimal shade, and a monthly bill over $100. The federal 30% tax credit significantly shortens payback periods. Most installs pay back in 6–10 years and panels last 25+ years — meaning 15+ years of essentially free electricity.
What's the single biggest energy cost in most homes?
Heating and cooling accounts for roughly 43% of the average home's energy bill — more than all other uses combined. Water heating (18%) and appliances and lighting (30%) round out the biggest categories. Fixing HVAC efficiency, insulation, and air sealing delivers the largest dollar savings for most households.