Cost to run

How much does an electric water heater cost to run?

A tank water heater's four-to-five-kilowatt elements run a few hours a day in total, replacing heat drawn off by showers and appliances plus standby losses through the tank walls.

Reviewed 2026-07-15 · methodology appliance-energy-1.0.0 · data vintage 2026-04-ytd

Example costs using the Texas state-average rate

These are generated examples for a consistent location. Enter your own ZIP and usage below for a more relevant state-average estimate.

Scenario	Assumption	kWh/month	Monthly range	Most likely/year
One to two people	Elements active about 2 hours a day	270.00	$28.76–$64.19	$528.23
Family of four	Elements active about 3 hours a day	405.00	$43.14–$96.28	$792.34
High hot-water demand	Elements active about 4.5 hours a day	607.50	$64.71–$144.42	$1,188.51

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-04-ytd. State-average pricing is not your exact utility tariff.

Calculate your own usage

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ApplianceHow manyHours used per day (optional)

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Rated watts (from the appliance label)Duty cycle (0–1; share of time drawing full power)Days per month

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Usage sets the hours, not the switch

The thermostat energizes elements whenever tank temperature drops, so showers, laundry, and dishwashing directly translate into element hours. Standby losses add a baseline even on days no one runs hot water, growing with tank size and age.

Often the second-largest load in the home

In all-electric homes, water heating regularly trails only heating and cooling in annual consumption. That scale is why small habit changes — shorter showers, cold laundry, full dishwasher loads — move this line more than most appliance swaps.

Tank models only, and other limits

These scenarios model resistance tank heaters. Heat-pump water heaters cut consumption by more than half but follow different dynamics, and tankless units spike to high draw only while water flows. Setpoint changes and mixing-valve setups are also not modeled.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours a day do the elements actually run?

Two to four hours of combined element time is typical for households on tank heaters, scaling with hot-water use. A meter on the heater circuit gives your real number.

Does lowering the thermostat to 120°F save much?

It reduces both standby losses and the energy per gallon drawn, and manufacturers commonly recommend it. Consult scald and legionella guidance before choosing a setpoint; this page does not give safety advice.

Is a heat-pump water heater worth the switch?

It typically uses less than half the electricity of resistance elements for the same hot water. Purchase cost, space, and climate determine payback, which this page does not calculate.

Related appliance cost guides

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