Your home energy cost guide
We all know that a lot of the stuff in our home uses energy — energy that we pay for. But exactly how much energy is each appliance or piece of equipment using and how much is it costing us? Although everyone's energy use is unique, here are some average numbers to give you an idea.
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Appliances, electronics and lighting
Appliances, electronics
and lightingEstimated energy use Cost1
per monthCable TV box or streaming device - Cable box (DVR) 22 kWh $4.05 - Streaming device 2 kWh $0.40 TV3
(6 hours/day)- 40" LCD 6 kWh $1.03 - 50" LCD 10 kWh $1.91 Computer and monitor3 - Dual 21” monitors 1 kWh $0.14 - Laptop (operating 8 hours per day) 6 kWh $1.17 - Routers (operating 24 hours per day) 7 kWh $1.39 Gaming console3 - Generic model (2 hrs per day) 12 kWh $2.25 Clothes washer4
(7 loads/week, cold/cold)- ENERGY STAR certified Front Load 8 kWh $1.47 - Standard Top Load 20 kWh $3.73 Clothes dryer
(5 loads/week)- Convential electric dryer 67 kWh $12.57 - ENERGY STAR electric dryer 59 kWh $11.11 - Heat pump dryer 45 kWh $8.46 - Gas dryer 2 therms $3.85 Vacuum
(1 hr/week)- Typical model 1 kWh $0.26 Dishwasher - ENERGY STAR model 20 kWh $3.75 - Standard model 26 kWh $4.80 Cooktops - Natural Gas 1 therms $1.49 - Standard electric 10 therms $1.91 - Induction electric 9 therms $1.72 Refrigerator/freezer - ENERGY STAR model 41 kWh $7.65 - Standard model 51 kWh $9.59 Lighting
(8 hours/day)- LED 9 watt bulb 2 kWh $0.41 1Sources: US Department of Energy, Northwest Power and Conservation Council
2PSE electric and gas rates are estimated based on PSE residential rates as of July 1, 2026 (Sch 7 Electric, Tier 1; Schedule 23 Gas). For the most current rate information visit pse.com/rates.
3 Electronics like TVs, DVD players and game consoles can consume power even when not in use. Plug these items into a power strip that you can switch off when not in use to prevent standby energy use.
4 Clothes washing includes water heater consumption.
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Heating and water heating
Heating and water
heating1Estimated energy
use1
Cost2
per yearElectric water heating - Standard efficiency (for 3hrs/day) 2,812 kWh $582 - Heat pump water heater 1,758 kWh $364 Natural gas water heating - Standard gas water heater (EF = .63) 159 therms $252 - Efficient gas water heater (EF > .68) 146 therms $231 - Efficient tankless water heater 102 therms $161 Electric heating3 - Electric furnace 15,897 kWh $3,289 - Baseboard 11,923 kWh $2,467 - High efficiency cold climate heat pump 5,179 kWh $1,071 - High efficiency ductless heat pump 3,884 kWh $804 - Heat pump with backup electric furnace 8,391 kWh $1,736 - Central air conditioner 303 kWh $63 - Dual fuel heating or hybrid heating (heat pump paired with gas furnace) 3,151 kWh
224 therms$1,006
$354Natural gas heating - Standard furnace 678 therms $1,074 - Efficient Gas furnace (95%+) 571 therms $904 - Fireplace pilot light (year round use) 53 therms $83 - Fireplace (20k btu) 96 therms $152 1Sources: US Department of Energy, Northwest Power and Conservation Council
2 PSE electric and gas rates are estimated based on PSE residential rates as of July 1, 2026 (Sch 7 Electric, Tier 1; Schedule 23 Gas). For the most current rate information visit pse.com/rates. Energy use and estimated costs are based on an average sized home (2,000 sq. ft. with 2.6 occupants). Actual usage and costs may vary depending on home characteristics, occupancy and customer behavior.
3Heating equipment includes heating use only. Cooling will add additional usage to your bill.
Get specifics
There are a number of online resources that can give you a more accurate picture of energy costs and savings tips based on your unique usage patterns. Check out:
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