Annual kWh
Estimated kilowatt-hours used in a year. EnergyGuide labels and appliance specifications may provide this for some products.
Glossary
Appliance cost glossary
Plain-English definitions for common appliance cost, energy, warranty, and recordkeeping terms.
Assumption
A number you enter because you do not have an exact value yet. Assumptions should be labelled so they are not mistaken for quotes.
Comparison period
The number of years or months used to compare scenarios. The same period should be used for both sides of a comparison.
Delivery and removal
Costs for delivering a new appliance and removing or disposing of an old one. These costs may be separate from the appliance price.
EnergyGuide
A U.S. appliance label system that helps consumers compare estimated energy use or efficiency among similar models.
kWh
Kilowatt-hour, a unit used on electricity bills. One kWh equals using 1,000 watts for one hour.
Repair-or-replace scenario
A planning comparison between repair-related costs and replacement-related costs. It is not a diagnosis or recommendation.
Standby power
Small electricity use while a device is plugged in but not actively operating.
Total cost of ownership
A broader cost view that can include purchase, energy, water, service, warranty, delivery, removal, and disposal assumptions.
Warranty deductible
A fee or service charge that may apply when making a warranty or service-plan claim.