Central vacuum vs. cordless stick vacuum: running cost
A cordless stick vacuum is cheaper to run: about $4 a year versus $15 for a central vacuum at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $11 difference.
| Central vacuum | Cordless stick vacuum | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,600 W | 30 W |
| Watt range | 1,200–2,000 W | 15–100 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week | 3.5 hours a day, 3 days a week |
| Energy per year | 83 kWh | 21 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 29¢ | 0.5¢ |
| Cost per day | 4.1¢ | 1.0¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.25 | $0.31 |
| Cost per year | $15 | $4 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $36 | $9 |
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What drives the difference
- Central vacuum: Central vacuum power units in a garage or basement draw 1,400-1,800 W at 120 V (larger units 240 V).
- Cordless stick vacuum: Stick vacuum batteries hold about 0.05-0.1 kWh; the charger draws 20-60 W for 3-4.5 hours to refill a fully drained pack. The cost is a few dollars a year.
Ways to cut either cost
A clean filter keeps suction high so you finish faster on each charge.
See options on AmazonLets you stop the motor between rooms without walking to the unit.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a central vacuum or a cordless stick vacuum?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a central vacuum costs about $15 a year versus $4 for a cordless stick vacuum. That's $11 more, or 4.1× as much.
How many watts do central vacuum and cordless stick vacuum use?
A central vacuum typically draws 1,600 W (range 1,200–2,000 W). A cordless stick vacuum draws 30 W (range 15–100 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.