Electric chainsaw vs. pressure washer: running cost
An electric chainsaw is cheaper to run: about $4 a year versus $8 for a pressure washer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $4 difference.
| Electric chainsaw | Pressure washer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,800 W | 1,800 W |
| Watt range | 800–1,800 W | 1,200–1,900 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year | 1 hour a day, 1 days a week for 6 months a year |
| Energy per year | 23 kWh | 47 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 32¢ | 32¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.3¢ | 4.6¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.70 | $1.41 |
| Cost per year | $4 | $8 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $10 | $20 |
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What drives the difference
- Electric chainsaw: Corded chainsaws are typically 12-15 A (up to 1,800 W) motors; real draw depends on cutting load.
- Pressure washer: Electric pressure washers draw 13-15 A (1,500-1,800 W) while the trigger is pulled; most homes use one a few times a year.
Ways to cut either cost
Chain sharpener
A sharp chain cuts faster with less energy.
See options on Amazon Surface cleaner attachment
Cleans flat surfaces much faster, cutting run time.
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, an electric chainsaw or a pressure washer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a pressure washer costs about $8 a year versus $4 for an electric chainsaw. That's $4 more, or 2.0× as much.
How many watts do electric chainsaw and pressure washer use?
An electric chainsaw typically draws 1,800 W (range 800–1,800 W). A pressure washer draws 1,800 W (range 1,200–1,900 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.