How to work out running costs
Cost = kWh × usage rate (cents) ÷ 100
The wattage is on the appliance's compliance plate or in the manual. For air conditioners, use the input power (not the cooling capacity). For appliances that cycle on and off, such as fridges, use the yearly kWh on the Energy Rating label instead.
Running costs per hour at 32 cents per kWh
| Appliance | Typical power | Per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Split system air con, small room (input power) | 800 W | 25.6c |
| Portable fan heater | 2,000 W | 64.0c |
| Oil column heater | 1,500 W | 48.0c |
| Pool pump | 1,100 W | 35.2c |
| Clothes dryer (vented) | 2,400 W | 76.8c |
| Air fryer | 1,500 W | 48.0c |
| Ceiling fan | 50 W | 1.6c |
A split system air conditioner moves heat rather than making it, so it heats a room for roughly a third of the cost of a fan heater.
Worked example
A 2,000 W fan heater used 4 hours a day uses 8 kWh a day. At 32 cents per kWh that is $2.56 a day, $76.80 for 30 days, and $230.40 over a 90-day winter.
Finding your rate
Your usage rate in cents per kWh is on your bill. On a time-of-use plan, peak rates can be double the off-peak rate, so running a dishwasher, dryer or pool pump off-peak or in the middle of the day with solar can halve its cost. Compare plans on Energy Made Easy (most states) or Victorian Energy Compare.
Thinking about solar? Try the solar panel calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a 2,000 W heater?
About 64 cents an hour at 32 cents per kWh.
How much does a pool pump cost to run?
A 1,100 W pump running 6 hours a day uses 6.6 kWh, about $2.11 a day at 32 cents per kWh.
Is a split system cheaper than a fan heater?
Yes. A reverse cycle split system usually gives about 3 to 4 units of heat per unit of electricity, so it costs far less for the same warmth.
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Last updated October 2026.