Here’s a step-by-step guide
1. Understand Your Device’s Power Consumption
This is typically mentioned on the device label or in its manual. It’s usually given in watts (W). If it’s in kilowatts (kW), that’s even better since we will be using kilowatts-hour (kWh) for the calculation. If the consumption is given in watts, you’ll need to convert it to kilowatts by dividing by 1,000.
For example, if a device consumes 500W, then:
Power in kW = 500 / 1,000 = 0.5kW
2. Calculate Daily Energy Consumption
Multiply the device’s power consumption in kW by the number of hours it operates daily.
Daily Energy Consumption (kWh) = Power in kW × Operational Hours Per Day
3. Calculate Weekly Energy Consumption
Multiply the daily energy consumption by the number of days the device operates in a week.
Weekly Energy Consumption (kWh) = Daily Energy Consumption × Days of Operation Per Week
4. Determine Total Electricity Costs
Multiply the weekly energy consumption by your electricity rate (price per kWh).
Weekly Electricity Cost = Weekly Energy Consumption × Price Per kWh
Example Calculation
Let’s consider a device with:
Power rating: 500W
Operational hours: 6 hours daily
Days of operation: 5 days a week
Electricity rate: €0.29 per kWh
1. Convert the power consumption to kW
Power in kW = 500W / 1,000 = 0.5kW
2. Calculate daily energy consumption
Daily Energy Consumption = 0.5kW × 6 hours = 3kWh
3. Calculate weekly energy consumption
Weekly Energy Consumption = 3kWh × 5 = 15kWh
4. Calculate the weekly electricity cost
Weekly Electricity Cost = 15 kWh \ $0.29 = $4.35
The device would cost €4.35 per week to operate.
