Ostrom Electricity Calculator

Adjustable annual electricity consumption estimator based on various household appliances.

🏠Household

Size m²

80 m²

People

2

Postcode

🔌Appliances

All

▲

Refrigerator

Freezer

Washing machine

Runs/week

-+

Tumble dryer

Runs/week

-+

TV

hrs/day

1

Cooktop

Oven

Coffee machine

Microwave

Kettle

Toaster

Dishwasher

🧰Other appliances

All

▲

Vacuum cleaner

Hair dryer

Iron

💻Electronics

All

▲

Laptop

PC

Games console

Smartphone

Tablet

Wi-Fi router

♨️Climate

▲

Heating typeGasElectricHeat pumpOilPropaneOther/None

Air conditioning

Months

3

Electric water heatingYesNoNot sure

💡Lighting

▲

Lighting?

IncandescentSome LEDsAll LEDs

🚗EV

▲

Electric vehicle?

Annual kilometres (km)

➕Other

▲

Other kWh

Pool, garden, tools, etc.

Estimated annual consumption (kWh)

3,066 kWh

Monthly consumption

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data sources CO₂ emissions: Federal Environment Agency — GHG indicators Consumer Data Energy (VZ): Consumer Center — Information about energy costs Official energy statistics (Destatis): Federal Statistical Office — Energy consumption of private households

The Ultimate Guide to Lowering Your Electricity Bill: How to Use an Energy Savings Calculator for Maximum Savings

Introduction

Electricity prices are rising – and many households are looking for ways to lower their costs and live more sustainably. Whether you live alone or with family: First, understand your electricity consumption to save effectively. In this guide, you'll learn how to correctly use an Energy Savings Calculator (also known as an electricity cost calculator), how costs per appliance are calculated, get practical saving tips, fact checks, and answers to frequently asked questions. This is how you take control of your electricity consumption!

What Is an Energy Savings Calculator?

An Energy Savings Calculator (also electricity cost calculator) is an interactive tool that allows you to easily estimate, analyze, and optimize your household electricity consumption. Whether you want to calculate electricity consumption for 2 people, a 4-person household, or a single appliance – the calculator provides you with individual insights for every situation.

How the Energy Calculator Works – Step by Step

Here's how to use the Ostrom Energy Savings Calculator for accurate results:

1. Enter Household Data

Number of people: Select how many people live in the household (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4+).

Apartment size: Enter the square meter (sqm) size of your apartment or house.

Region: Some calculators ask for your location to adjust average values.

2. Select Appliances

Appliance list: Choose from typical appliances (e.g., refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, oven, coffee machine, microwave, kettle, toaster, vacuum cleaner, hairdryer, iron, laptop, desktop, gaming PC, console, smartphone, tablet, Wi-Fi router, fan heater, wallbox, etc.).

Own appliances: Add other appliances manually.

3. Enter Usage Habits

Usage duration: Specify how many hours per day/week the appliance runs.

Power: Enter the wattage or select typical values.

Efficiency: If possible, enter the energy efficiency class (e.g., A++, A+, B).

4. Check Consumption

Total kWh consumption: The calculator sums up the estimated consumption of all appliances in kWh per month/year.

Costs: Your monthly and annual costs are calculated using your electricity price (€/kWh).

5. Discover Savings Potential

Run scenarios: Adjust settings (e.g., more efficient appliances, less standby) and see how consumption and costs change.

Compare with average: See how your household compares to similar households.

6. Receive Individual Tips

Context-based tips: The calculator gives you saving tips tailored to your appliances and usage (e.g., special tips for EV owners).

How Appliance Costs Are Calculated

Understanding how the calculator computes costs per appliance helps you save effectively. The standard formula is

Appliance Costs per Period = (Wattage × Usage Hours × Days) / 1000 × Electricity Price

Example

A 2000-watt fan heater runs for 2 hours a day, 30 days a month, electricity price 0,30 €/kWh

(2000 × 2 × 30) / 1000 × 0,30 = 120 kWh × 0,30 = 36 €/month

Saving Electricity: Practical Tips

Here are proven tips to reduce your electricity consumption and costs:

Switch off standby: Many devices draw power even when they are off. Power strips help turn everything off at once.

Use LEDs: LEDs save up to 80 % compared to incandescent bulbs and last much longer.

Wash/rinse efficiently: Always fully load the washing machine and dishwasher and use eco mode.

Optimize heating/cooling: Lowering the thermostat by 1 °C saves up to 6 % on heating costs. Use fans instead of air conditioning.

Unplug chargers: Unused chargers also draw power.

Buy efficient appliances: When buying new, always look for the highest energy efficiency classes (on the current A-G scale).

Defrost freezer: Ice buildup increases consumption.

Air-dry laundry: Avoid using a tumble dryer whenever possible.

Cook smartly: Put lids on pots, choose the right-sized burner, use microwave/toaster for small portions.

Extra Tips:

• EV? Best to charge at night or during off-peak hours.
• Electric boiler/underfloor heating? Control with a timer to avoid unnecessary heating.

Myths & Facts About Saving Electricity

Myth 1: Standby doesn't matter.
Fact: Standby can account for up to 10 % of consumption. Always switch off or unplug!

Myth 2: Old appliances are just as efficient.
Fact: Modern appliances are much more economical.

Myth 3: LEDs are not worth it.
Fact: LEDs save up to 80 % and pay for themselves quickly.

Myth 4: Cold washing doesn't get clothes clean.
Fact: Modern detergents clean well at 30 °C and save energy.

Myth 5: Small appliances don't matter.
Fact: Many small energy guzzlers add up – especially in large households.

Myth 6: Measuring electricity consumption is too complicated.
Fact: With calculators and smart plugs, it's very easy today.