About Cost to Run

Cost to Run is an independent UK resource designed to help households make clearer electricity decisions. The aim is simple: show typical running costs in a useful format, explain the assumptions, and make it easier to compare one appliance with another before you buy, replace, or change habits.

How the estimates work

The calculators start with appliance power, usage time, and the current default electricity rate. They then estimate the cost per hour or per use, plus daily, monthly, and annual cost where that makes sense.

For some appliances the full rated wattage is not drawn continuously. Where that is relevant, the model uses a duty-cycle factor so the estimate better reflects typical use rather than an unrealistic worst case.

Default electricity rate

The site currently uses 24.5p/kWh as the default benchmark, based on the Ofgem price cap for Q2 2026, effective from 1 April 2026.

That default is only a starting point. If your tariff is different, type your own rate into any calculator to get a more useful estimate for your home.

What the figures can and cannot tell you

These pages are designed for practical comparison, not false precision. Real bills vary by appliance model, energy tariff, room conditions, cycle settings, load size, and how long the appliance is actually used.

• Use the site to compare options and spot major cost drivers.
• Do not treat the default figures as a guarantee for your exact model.
• Check your own tariff if you want the most personal estimate.

Sources and judgement

Appliance figures are based on published specifications, common UK usage patterns, and editorial judgement about what makes a sensible default assumption. Where a page refers to a scenario or practical guide, the goal is decision support rather than pretending every household behaves the same way.

Contact

Questions, corrections, or suggestions can be sent to contact@costtorun.co.uk.

For privacy details, including how the cookie consent preference works, see the privacy policy.