Appliance upgrade savings calculator
Compare the electricity cost of equipment you use now with a possible replacement. See annual energy savings, simple payback, and the 10-year difference using your own inputs.
For an illustrative window air conditioner replacement using 25% fewer input watts at the same runtime, the energy-cost difference is $137.46 per year at the current U.S. average rate. Replace every assumption before making a purchase decision.
Estimated annual savings
- Current annual cost
- $549.84
- Replacement annual cost
- $412.38
- Electricity reduction
- 730 kWh/year
- Simple payback
- 2.2 years
- 10-year net savings
- $1,074.59
The replacement uses 25% less electricity at these inputs. Simple payback divides the extra upfront cost by annual energy-cost savings.
Please enter valid values within the ranges shown.
Default rate: EIA U.S. residential average for April 2026, retrieved July 16, 2026. The 25% lower-watt replacement and $300 extra cost are editable examples, not product claims.
Keep the comparison fair
The estimate is most useful when both sides represent the same job, comfort level, capacity, and daily routine.
- 01Record current use
Use measured average watts and active runtime when possible. Nameplate input is a starting point, especially for cycling equipment.
- 02Check the replacement specification
Use manufacturer input power or a recognized efficiency label for the exact model and operating mode you expect to use.
- 03Enter only the extra upfront cost
Compare the replacement price with the cost of the alternative you would otherwise buy. Energy savings alone may not repay an upgrade.
What the calculator includes
The calculator compares energy costs only. It leaves out maintenance, financing, rebates, resale value, and any change in comfort or capacity.
- Annual cost = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours/day × 365 × rate.
- Simple payback = extra upfront cost ÷ annual savings.
- Ten-year net = ten years of savings − extra upfront cost.