Cost to run a electric water heater (tank)
Water heating · typical wattage 4,500 W (4,500 W-5,500 W)
A electric water heater (tank) draws about 4,500 W-5,500 W (typically 4,500 W). Run 3 hours a day, it uses about 4,928 kWh/year, which costs roughly $76.21/month and $915/year at the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh (March 2026). At a high-rate state like California (33.35¢) it costs more; at a low-rate state like Washington (14.40¢) it costs less.
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use. Data as of June 2026.
Electric water heater (tank) at a glance
| Figure | Electric water heater (tank) |
|---|---|
| Typical running wattage | 4,500 W (4,500 W-5,500 W) |
| Assumed usage | 3 h/day, 365 days/yr |
| Energy used | 4,928 kWh per year |
| Cost per month @ 18.56¢ | $76.21 |
| Cost per year @ 18.56¢ | $915 |
Source: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use; ENERGY STAR product specifications. Data as of June 2026.
Cost at light, typical and heavy use
How the monthly and yearly cost changes with how long you run it, at the US average 18.56¢/kWh:
| Usage | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| Light use (2 h/day) | $50.11 | $610 |
| Typical use (3 h/day) | $75.17 | $915 |
| Heavy use (5 h/day) | $125 | $1,524 |
Cost at different state rates
The same electric water heater (tank) at typical usage, priced at a few representative state rates:
| Rate | Cost / month | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|
| US average (18.56¢) | $76.21 | $915 |
| Washington (14.40¢) | $58.32 | $710 |
| Texas (16.39¢) | $66.38 | $808 |
| California (33.35¢) | $135 | $1,643 |
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) (March 2026). Data as of June 2026.
Use the calculator to price it at your exact rate, or see all 51 states.
Wattage source & how to save
Standard resistance tank heaters use 4,500–5,500 W elements and run about 2–4 hours per day in total.
Tip to cut the cost: A heat-pump (hybrid) water heater uses roughly a third of the electricity of a resistance tank.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric water heater (tank)?
At the US average residential rate of 18.56¢/kWh, a electric water heater (tank) (about 4,500 W-5,500 W, typically 4,500 W) used 3 hours a day costs roughly $76.21 per month and $915 per year. Your cost depends on your exact wattage, usage and local rate. Use the calculator for an exact figure.
How many watts does a electric water heater (tank) use?
Standard resistance tank heaters use 4,500–5,500 W elements and run about 2–4 hours per day in total.
How much electricity does a electric water heater (tank) use per year?
About 4,928 kWh per year at typical usage. That's 13.50 kWh per day at 3 hours of use.
How can I cut the running cost of a electric water heater (tank)?
A heat-pump (hybrid) water heater uses roughly a third of the electricity of a resistance tank.
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Sources & accuracy
Wattage: U.S. DOE — Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use and ENERGY STAR-grade references (typical figures; ranges shown where relevant). Electricity rate: EIA Electric Power Monthly (March 2026). All public domain. Costs are a transparent calculation (see methodology) and are estimates only — your appliance's actual wattage, your usage and your utility rate may differ. Check the appliance label and your bill before relying on these figures.
Last updated: 2026-06-20