Fog machine vs. outdoor inflatable decoration: running cost
A fog machine is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $15 for an outdoor inflatable decoration at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $14 difference.
| Fog machine | Outdoor inflatable decoration | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 400 W | 150 W |
| Watt range | 400–1,500 W | 60–400 W |
| Typical use | 4 hours a day, 1 days a week for 1 months a year | 6 hours a day for 3 months a year |
| Energy per year | 4 kWh | 82 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 4.3¢ | 2.7¢ |
| Cost per day | 2.5¢ | 16¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.75 | $4.93 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $15 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $2 | $36 |
Compare at your rate and settings
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.
- Outdoor inflatable decoration: Inflatables run a constant blower fan of about 60-300 W plus LED lights; they must run continuously to stay up.
Ways to cut either cost
Automates short bursts so the heater runs less.
See options on AmazonCovers the house in moving lights for 5-10 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 an outdoor inflatable decoration?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an outdoor inflatable decoration costs about $15 a year versus $1 for a fog machine. That's $14 more, or 19.7× as much.
How many watts do fog machine and outdoor inflatable decoration use?
A fog machine typically draws 400 W (range 400–1,500 W). An outdoor inflatable decoration draws 150 W (range 60–400 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.