Work Out Your Running Cost
Enter an appliance's wattage, how many hours a day it runs, and your electricity rate – we'll work out what it costs to run.
Check your own electricity bill for your actual $/kWh rate – it varies by state, retailer and whether you're on a time-of-use or off-peak plan. 30 c/kWh is a rough average starting point, not a quote.
FAQ
Where do I find my equipment's wattage?
Check the label on the unit itself, the box it came in, or the product page – wattage is standard information on any powered aquarium equipment (heaters, chillers, pumps, lights). See our Heater and Chiller calculators for sizing guidance that includes the wattage of what we stock.
What electricity rate should I use?
Your own – check a recent power bill for your actual $/kWh rate. Rates vary a lot across Australia by state, retailer and plan, and if you're on a time-of-use tariff, running equipment in off-peak hours can make a real difference to the number this calculator gives you.
Does this account for equipment cycling on and off?
No – it assumes the wattage you enter is drawn for every hour you enter. Heaters, chillers and some pumps cycle rather than running flat out, so their real average draw is usually lower than the rated wattage. Use the rated figure as a worst-case estimate.
Why does my actual power bill not match this exactly?
This calculator looks at one appliance in isolation. Your bill covers everything in the house, plus equipment cycling, seasonal variation, and your retailer's specific tariff structure (daily supply charge, time-of-use pricing, etc.) – treat this as a comparison tool between options, not a bill prediction.