Is an Efficient Desktop Computer Worth It in Canada? (2026)
With electricity at 14.0¢ per kWh in Canada, the saving is too small to justify the purchase: 20.9 years to pay back if you replace a working desktop computer, and 20.9 years for the extra cost of the efficient model when you are replacing anyway.
An efficient desktop computer cuts electricity by 70%: about 307 kWh, worth C$42.98 a year in Canada. Not for the electricity
- From
- Desktop PC with monitor for office work, about 150 W, about 438 kWh a year
- To
- Laptop for the same work, about 45 W, about 131 kWh a year
- Usage
- 8 hours a day
| Scenario | You pay | Payback | Net over its life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace a working desktop computer now | C$900.00 | 20.9 years | −C$685.10 |
| Replacing anyway: choose the efficient one | C$900.00 | 20.9 years | −C$685.10 |
Prices are typical figures; type your own quotes above. Net over its life is the total saving over the years it lasts minus what you pay. It ignores inflation, interest and changes in electricity prices, which is conservative while prices are rising.
Our take
Not worth buying a laptop for the electricity. Worth choosing one next time you replace the desktop, if the work allows.
How the two models compare
| Inefficient | Efficient | |
|---|---|---|
| Model | Desktop PC with monitor for office work, about 150 W | Laptop for the same work, about 45 W |
| Electricity per year | 438 kWh | 131 kWh |
| Cost per year here | C$61.32 | C$18.34 |
| Over 5 years | C$306.60 | C$91.70 |
Usage behind these figures: 8 hours a day. Basis: Typical measured draw of an office desktop plus monitor versus a mainstream laptop, at 8 hours a day. The Desktop Computer page prices the appliance at its own typical hours, which you can change there.
The same upgrade in other countries
| Country | Saving per year | Payback, replacing now | Payback, replacing anyway | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (average) | $56.30 | 16.0 years | 16.0 years | Not for the electricity |
| United Kingdom | £80.80 | 11.1 years | 11.1 years | Not for the electricity |
| Germany | €113.59 | 7.9 years | 7.9 years | Not for the electricity |
| France | €61.43 | 14.7 years | 14.7 years | Not for the electricity |
| Australia | A$107.45 | 8.4 years | 8.4 years | Not for the electricity |
| Canada (average) | C$42.98 | 20.9 years | 20.9 years | Not for the electricity |
Local electricity prices, with the same purchase price read in local currency, which is a simplification. The saving column is what matters: the higher the price of electricity, the faster any upgrade pays back.
Other upgrades in Canada, fastest payback first
- LED Light Bulbsaves C$13.16 a year · worth it now
- Dehumidifiersaves C$75.60 a year · worth it when replacing
- Electric Water Heatersaves C$429.24 a year · worth it when replacing
- Pool Pumpsaves C$196.56 a year · worth it when replacing
- Wi-Fi Routersaves C$14.70 a year · worth it when replacing
- Electric Sauna Heatersaves C$237.58 a year · not for the electricity
- Chest Freezersaves C$43.40 a year · worth it when replacing
- Hot Tubsaves C$357.70 a year · not for the electricity
- Clothes Dryersaves C$63.00 a year · worth it when replacing
- Air Conditionersaves C$35.00 a year · worth it when replacing
- Refrigeratorsaves C$60.20 a year · worth it when replacing
- Space Heatersaves C$126.00 a year · not for the electricity
- Electric Stovesaves C$20.44 a year · not for the electricity
- Dishwashersaves C$19.60 a year · not for the electricity
- Washing Machinesaves C$13.30 a year · not for the electricity
- Televisionsaves C$10.22 a year · not for the electricity