Fog machine vs. christmas light projector: running cost
A fog machine is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $1 for a christmas light projector at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| Fog machine | Christmas light projector | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 400 W | 8 W |
| Watt range | 400–1,500 W | 3–30 W |
| Typical use | 4 hours a day, 1 days a week for 1 months a year | 6 hours a day for 4 months a year |
| Energy per year | 4 kWh | 6 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 4.3¢ | 0.1¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.5¢ | 0.9¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.75 | $0.26 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $2 | $3 |
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What drives the difference
- Fog machine: Fog machines keep a heat exchanger at about 500°F; the heater cycles to maintain temperature even when not fogging, so draw averages about half to two-thirds of rated watts.
- Christmas light projector: Outdoor laser and LED holiday projectors draw about 3-15 W; video projector models used for window displays draw 30-200 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Fog machine with timer remote
Automates short bursts so the heater runs less.
See options on Amazon Laser Christmas light projector
Covers a house front for under 10 W.
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 fog machine or a christmas light projector?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a christmas light projector costs about $1 a year versus $1 for a fog machine. That's $0 more, or 1.4× as much.
How many watts do fog machine and christmas light projector use?
A fog machine typically draws 400 W (range 400–1,500 W). A christmas light projector draws 8 W (range 3–30 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.