How Much Does a Vacuum Cleaner Cost to Run?
Vacuum Cleaner running cost: about £0.11 per 20-minute use, or £10.95 a year with 2 uses a week, at the 26.32p per kWh Ofgem price cap.
| Per day (average) | 3p |
|---|---|
| Per week | £0.21 |
| Per month | £0.91 |
| Per year | £10.95 |
| Energy used per year | 42 kWh |
How we worked out the cost
We use a typical figure of 0.4 kWh per 20-minute use for a typical 1.2 kW vacuum for 20 minutes. At 26.32p per kWh, that is 0.4 × 26.32p = £0.11. Over a week of 2 uses it is £0.21, and over a year £10.95.
These are typical estimates rather than lab measurements. Your appliance may use more or less, so adjust the kWh in the calculator for your own.
Vacuum Cleaner cost at different electricity prices
| Electricity price | Per 20-minute use | Per year (2 uses a week) |
|---|---|---|
| 20p per kWh | 8p | £8.32 |
| 25p per kWh | £0.10 | £10.40 |
| 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem cap) | £0.11 | £10.95 |
| 30p per kWh | £0.12 | £12.48 |
| 35p per kWh | £0.14 | £14.56 |
| 40p per kWh | £0.16 | £16.64 |
How to reduce the cost
- Vacuuming costs little because you run it for short periods.
- Swap old bulbs for LEDs, which use far less than halogen or incandescent bulbs.
- Run appliances at the lowest effective settings.
How does it compare?
| Appliance | Cost per use | Typical use | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdryer | 7.9p per 10-minute use | 7 uses/week | £28.74 |
| LED Light Bulb | 0.21p per hour | 35 hours/week | £3.83 |
| Toaster | 1.3p per use | 14 uses/week | £9.58 |
| Laptop | 1.3p per hour | 20 hours/week | £13.69 |
| Microwave | 2.6p per 5-minute use | 14 uses/week | £19.16 |
| Phone Charger | 0.26p per full charge | 7 charges/week | £0.96 |
Based on the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh for 1 October to 31 December 2026. Ofgem states these figures do not include VAT from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, because the Government has removed VAT from electricity bills for that period. The standing charge is not included. Source: Ofgem.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a vacuum Cleaner cost to run per 20-minute use?
At the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh, a typical vacuum Cleaner costs about £0.11 per 20-minute use, using around 0.4 kWh (a typical 1.2 kW vacuum for 20 minutes).
How much does a vacuum Cleaner cost to run for a year?
With 2 uses a week, it costs about £10.95 a year (£0.91 a month), using about 42 kWh. Change the numbers in the calculator above to match how you use yours.
Is the price cap the rate I actually pay?
Not necessarily. The cap is an average limit on default tariffs. Your own rate depends on your supplier, region and tariff, so check your bill and use the calculator to see the cost at your rate. Doubling the rate doubles the cost.
How accurate are these figures?
They are estimates for a typical modern appliance. Age, model, settings and how you use it all change the real cost, so treat them as a guide and check your appliance’s energy label for a precise figure.
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Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.