1. What is the Watts to Cost Calculator?

This calculator helps you determine how much it costs to run an electrical appliance based on its power consumption (in watts), how long it's used (in hours), and your electricity rate (in £ per kWh). It's particularly useful for UK residents to estimate their electricity bills.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Power consumption in watts (W)
• \( h \) — Time in hours
• \( \text{Cost/kWh} \) — Electricity cost in pounds per kilowatt-hour

Explanation: The formula first converts watt-hours to kilowatt-hours (by dividing by 1000), then multiplies by the cost per kilowatt-hour to get the total cost.

3. Understanding Electricity Costs

Details: Electricity in the UK is typically charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The average UK electricity price is around £0.34 per kWh (as of 2023), but this can vary by supplier and tariff.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Find the wattage of your appliance (usually on a label or in the manual)
• Estimate how many hours per day/week/month you use it
• Check your latest electricity bill for your exact cost per kWh
• For devices with variable power (like refrigerators), use average consumption

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between watts and kilowatts?
A: 1 kilowatt (kW) = 1000 watts (W). We convert to kWh because that's how electricity is billed.

Q2: How can I find my exact electricity rate?
A: Check your energy bill or contact your supplier. Rates vary by tariff and region.

Q3: Why does my actual bill differ from the calculation?
A: This calculator doesn't account for standing charges, VAT, or other fees on your bill.

Q4: How accurate is this for devices that cycle on/off?
A: For devices like fridges, use their average consumption rather than maximum wattage.

Q5: Can I use this for solar panel calculations?
A: Yes, you can use it to estimate savings by comparing appliance costs with your solar generation.