Central vacuum vs. vacuum cleaner: running cost
A vacuum cleaner is cheaper to run: about $11 a year versus $15 for a central vacuum at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $4 difference.
| Central vacuum | Vacuum cleaner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,600 W | 1,200 W |
| Watt range | 1,200–2,000 W | 500–1,500 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week | 30 minutes a day, 2 days a week |
| Energy per year | 83 kWh | 63 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 29¢ | 22¢ |
| Cost per day | 4.1¢ | 3.1¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.25 | $0.94 |
| Cost per year | $15 | $11 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $36 | $27 |
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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).
- Vacuum cleaner: Corded upright vacuums draw about 1,000-1,400 W; an hour of vacuuming a week is roughly 60-75 kWh a year.
Ways to cut either cost
Uses about 0.05-0.1 kWh per charge, a fraction of a corded upright for quick cleanups.
See options on AmazonDaily robot runs use about 20-40 Wh, reducing how often you need the full-size vacuum.
See options on AmazonLets you stop the motor between rooms without walking to the unit.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a central vacuum or a vacuum cleaner?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a central vacuum costs about $15 a year versus $11 for a vacuum cleaner. That's $4 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do central vacuum and vacuum cleaner use?
A central vacuum typically draws 1,600 W (range 1,200–2,000 W). A vacuum cleaner draws 1,200 W (range 500–1,500 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.