Appliances / Dishwashers / LG SIGNATURE

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StandardENERGY STAR certified

LG SIGNATURE SDNVH981 series

16 place settings · Standard dishwasher

Electricity, 10 years
$400
Per year
$40

Check the price at the store, then add $400 of electricity to get the true cost. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.

  1. Price. Check what it costs at the store.
  2. Plus running cost. Add $400 of electricity over 10 years. That is the part the price tag hides.
  3. Compare. Pick your state below, then check the cheaper-to-run models of the same size.
Per year (U.S. avg)
$40
Over 10 years
$400
Saves vs the federal maximum
$16/yr
Rank for running cost
#64 of 616

About the LG SIGNATURE SDNVH981 series

The LG SIGNATURE SDNVH981 series is a 16 place settings standard dishwasher certified by ENERGY STAR. Its official test figure is 220 kWh of electricity a year, which at the U.S. average price of 18.19¢ per kWh comes to $40 a year, or $400 over a typical 10-year life.

That is 28% less energy than the federal maximum for this type of dishwasher (307 kWh a year), a saving of about $16 a year compared with a model that only just meets the standard.

Among 616 standard models it ranks #64 for running cost. The cheapest model of this type would save $36 in electricity over 10 years, though it may differ in size and features.

If you want the same type and a similar size for less to run, the Fisher & Paykel DD24DTX6I1 uses 202 kWh a year and would save about $33 over 10 years.

Cost to run where you live

Electricity per year
$40
Electricity over 10 years
$400
Add the price you pay
+ $400

220 kWh a year (ENERGY STAR test figure) × 18.19¢ per kWh, the average residential price in the U.S. for Jan–Aug 2026 (EIA). Your bill depends on your utility and how you use it.

Cheaper to run, same type and size

Or see every full size (10 place settings and up) model ranked.

Fisher & Paykel DD24DTX6I114 place settings$37/yrsaves $33
Fisher & Paykel DD24DTX6PX114 place settings$37/yrsaves $33
Asko DBI563 series14 place settings$37/yrsaves $27
Asko DFI563 series14 place settings$37/yrsaves $27

Specs

BrandLG SIGNATURE
ModelSDNVH981*
TypeStandard
Energy use220 kWh / year
Federal maximum for this type307 kWh / year
Water use624 gallons / year
Size16 place settings
Width23.8 in
Water per cycle2.90 gal
Depth23.8 in

Specs and energy use from the ENERGY STAR certified products list (U.S. EPA). An asterisk in a model number stands for colour or finish codes. HouseholdLeak is not affiliated with ENERGY STAR or the EPA.

Questions people ask

How much does the LG SIGNATURE SDNVH981 series cost to run?

About $40 a year at the U.S. average electricity price (18.19¢/kWh), based on its ENERGY STAR rating of 220 kWh a year. In a state with expensive power it can be much more; pick your state on this page to see your number.

How much will the LG SIGNATURE SDNVH981 series cost in electricity over its life?

About $400 over 10 years, a typical life for a dishwasher. Add that to the price you pay to get the true cost to own.

Is the LG SIGNATURE SDNVH981 series energy efficient?

Yes. It is ENERGY STAR certified and uses 28% less energy than the federal maximum for its type.

Is there a cheaper dishwasher to run of the same type and size?

Yes. The Fisher & Paykel DD24DTX6I1 uses 202 kWh a year, about $33 less in electricity over 10 years.

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