How much does it cost to run a electric water heater?
A typical electric water heater draws about 4000 watts. Used 3 hours a day, that works out to roughly $2.04 per day, $62.05 per month, and $744.60 per year on an average electricity rate of 17¢ per kWh. Water heating is typically the second-largest energy expense in a household.
Electric Water Heater running cost calculator
- Per day
- $2.04
- Per month
- $62.05
- Per year
- $744.60
- CO₂ / year
- 1752 kg
Based on 4380 kWh per year. Adjust the price per kWh to match your latest electricity bill for an exact figure.
The number that matters most is your own electricity rate. Rates range from under 11¢ per kWh in some regions to over 30¢ in others, so the same electric water heater can cost two or three times as much depending on where you live. Enter your exact rate in the calculator above to get a figure tailored to your bill.
Over a full year this electric water heater uses about 4380 kWh of electricity and is responsible for roughly 1752 kg of CO₂ emissions on an average grid. Reducing run time, or switching to a more efficient model, lowers both the cost and the footprint.
If this electric water heater is one you use daily, even small efficiency gains compound. Cutting its usage or wattage by 20% would save around $148.92 every year — money that an efficient replacement can recover over its lifetime.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to run a electric water heater per hour?
- At 4000 watts and a 17¢/kWh rate, a electric water heater costs about $0.68 per hour to run.
- How much electricity does a electric water heater use per month?
- Running 3 hours a day, a electric water heater uses roughly 365.0 kWh per month, costing about $62.05.
- Is a electric water heater expensive to run?
- Yes — at around $744.60 per year, a electric water heater is one of the more costly appliances to run, so efficiency upgrades pay off quickly.
- How can I reduce my electric water heater running costs?
- Use it during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing, reduce daily run time, and consider an ENERGY STAR rated electric water heater, which uses less power for the same job.