HOUSEHOLD ENERGY, MADE LEGIBLE

Know whether the switch
pays before you make it.

Compare the energy and upfront costs of keeping, repairing, or replacing an appliance over the years you expect to own it. Every assumption stays visible.

Compare my options

No made-up replacement.
You enter the real model you are considering.

OPTIONAL STARTER

Choose a starting appliance.

Pick an appliance to fill both sides with editable starter values. Keep or correct your current appliance on the left, then enter the model you are considering on the right.

STEP 1 OF 4 · RATE

Set your electricity rate.

Choose your state for an EIA average, or enter the per-kWh rate from your bill.

State or national averageElectricity rate¢ / kWhFrom your bill: variable electricity charges ÷ kWh used. Leave out fixed monthly fees.Source: U.S. EIA Electric Power Monthly, residential retail sales ↗

COMPARE OPTIONS

Enter the two options you are comparing.

Use the left side for what you have now—or the standard option you would otherwise buy—and the right side for the alternative. Enter only costs you would pay from today.

Current or standard option

First option wattsWFirst option duty cycle%Percent of that time the appliance is actually runningFirst option hours per dayhrFirst option days per weekdays

Cost of this option from today$If you already own it and plan to keep it, enter $0. Otherwise enter the future repair or purchase cost.

New option you’re considering

New option wattsWNew option duty cycle%Percent of that time the appliance is actually runningNew option hours per dayhrNew option days per weekdays

Replacement cost after rebates$Purchase + installation − confirmed rebates or resale value

STEP 3 OF 4 · CHECK

Confirm a fair comparison.

What do both options do equally well? Name their shared capacity, size, output, or workload, then confirm it below. Otherwise, a smaller appliance can look efficient simply because it does less.

How many years will you own it?yearsWhat job do both options do equally well?Be specific: capacity, size, output, or workload—not just “refrigerator.”Yes, both options do the same job described above.

YEARLY ENERGY-COST DIFFERENCE

$0.00same yearly energy cost

Tell us what both options do equally.Describe their shared capacity or workload—for example, ‘same 18 cu. ft. capacity’—then confirm it.Describe the shared job ↑

FIRST OPTION ENERGY / MONTH$24.23$290.76 / year

NEW OPTION ENERGY / MONTH$24.23$290.76 / year

ENERGY + ENTERED COST DIFFERENCE AFTER 10 YEARS—complete Step 3 above

Numbers usedU.S. average · 18.44¢/kWh · 10 yearsCurrent window AC: 1,576.8 kWh/year + $0.00 from todayProposed replacement: 1,576.8 kWh/year + $0.00 from todaySame-job check: not confirmed

THE METHOD

Transparent enough
to check by hand.

ENERGY COST+COST FROM TODAY×TIME HORIZON=DECISION COST

Planning estimate, not a bill prediction. EIA rates are state averages, not your tariff. Weather, equipment condition, fixed fees, taxes, standby use, and time-of-use pricing can change your actual bill.

Energy and entered upfront costs only. Financing, maintenance, unentered rebates, future electricity prices, and uncertain equipment life stay outside the calculation. A payback beyond your ownership horizon is identified rather than celebrated.

Know whether the switchpays before you make it.