Appliance Break-Even Calculator
Compare an existing and replacement appliance to estimate annual electricity savings, net purchase cost, simple break-even time and ten-year benefit.
Default project preview
6.3 years
Annual electricity savings
$99.00
Total annual savings
$119.00
Net purchase cost
$750.00
Energy-use reduction
61.1%
Calculator
Build the material order
Your order will appear here
Enter the project details and calculate a rounded material estimate.
Input and output guide
What each value means
The labels and units below are part of this calculator’s visible methodology. Replace every default with measurements or product data from the actual project.
Existing annual electricity use
Enter this project assumption in kWh/year. The current imperial default is 900 kWh/year.
Replacement annual electricity use
Enter this project assumption in kWh/year. The current imperial default is 350 kWh/year.
Electricity price
Enter this project assumption in per kWh. The current imperial default is 0.18 per kWh. Minimum: 0.
Replacement purchase cost
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 850. Minimum: 0.
Rebate or incentive
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 100. Minimum: 0.
Annual maintenance savings
Enter this project assumption in a unitless value. The current imperial default is 20. Minimum: 0.
How to read the outputs
Annual electricity savings
550 kWh avoided. Default preview: $99.00.
Total annual savings
energy plus maintenance. Default preview: $119.00.
Net purchase cost
after entered rebate. Default preview: $750.00.
Energy-use reduction
old versus replacement. Default preview: 61.1%.
Five-year net value
undiscounted. Default preview: -$155.00.
Ten-year net value
undiscounted. Default preview: $440.00.
Methodology
Transparent calculation
BuildMeter converts every input to a consistent internal unit, applies the selected allowance, and rounds products up to whole purchasable units.
Annual savings = (old kWh − new kWh) × electricity price + maintenance savings. Net cost = purchase cost − rebate. Break-even = net cost ÷ annual savings.
Related tools
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FAQ
Appliance Break-Even Calculator questions
Should installation cost be added?+
Yes. Include required delivery, installation and modification costs in the purchase-cost field.
What if the old appliance still works?+
Compare the remaining useful life and repair risk, not only energy savings.
Does a negative ten-year value mean replacement is always a bad choice?+
No. Reliability, performance, safety and required replacement timing may still justify the purchase.