Burning questions

How many watts does a treadmill use? Running costs

Treadmills offer a convenient way to exercise indoors regardless of the weather. But alongside the health benefits comes the question of energy consumption. How much electricity does a treadmill use? Let’s break it down in this article.

Treadmill power consumption and how to estimate it

The wattage of a treadmill typically falls within the range of 500 to 1500 watts. The primary factor affecting wattage is motor strength. Higher horsepower motors, designed for intense running workouts, naturally use more watts. 

500W-1500W

average treadmill consumption

While not as significant as motor power, the incline and speed settings you use will also affect wattage. Running uphill or at faster speeds requires more power from the motor, translating to higher wattage consumption. Treadmills with fancy LCD consoles or integrated entertainment systems will use more electricity compared to those with basic LED displays.

Energy expenses for a workout session

Treadmill wattage information should be printed in the manual or on the label. It provides just a general idea though and doesn’t tell the whole story. To understand your treadmill’s electricity consumption, you need to consider the usage time.

Monitor how long you typically use the treadmill per session. Multiply the wattage by your average usage time in hours to get the watt-hours used per session. For example, if your treadmill uses 700 watts and you run for 30 minutes, the watt-hours used per session are:

700 W × 0.5 h = 350 Wh

Once you have the Wh per session, multiply it by the number of times you use the treadmill per week, then again by the number of weeks in a year to estimate your annual consumption. Let’s say we train four times a week. In this case, our annual consumption is:

350 Wh × 4 times/week × 52 weeks = 72,800 Wh = 72.8 kWh/year

Finally, factor in your electricity cost per kWh to estimate the yearly cost. At $0.20 per kW, a year of running on a treadmill will cost you about $15.

5 tips to save on treadmill electricity use

While treadmill power consumption doesn’t sound like much, in creating an energy efficient home every little bit counts. So how can we lower our running costs?

Tip #1: Unplug when idle

Don’t let your treadmill become an energy vampire and silently drain energy on standby. Make it a habit to completely unplug the treadmill when you’re finished for the day, especially if you have long breaks between sessions. This small step can significantly reduce standby power consumption.

Tip #2: Dim the display

Most treadmills allow you to adjust the display brightness. Opt for a lower brightness setting during your workout to save energy. Additionally, explore disabling any unnecessary display features you don’t use, such as fancy animations or scrolling news feeds.

Tip #3: Choose the right treadmill for your needs

If you’re a casual runner, you don’t need a high-powered treadmill with all the bells and whistles. Choose a treadmill with a motor and features that match your weight, fitness level, and workout style. A less powerful motor will consume less electricity.

Tip #4: Embrace eco-modes

If your treadmill offers an eco-mode or power-saving setting, use it during your workouts. Some may simply reduce display brightness or limit certain functionalities, while others might adjust motor power based on your running speed or incline. With this, you can significantly reduce your electricity consumption without sacrificing the effectiveness of your workout.

Tip #5: Run on solar power

Solar energy has been basking in the spotlight for years, and for good reason. This clean and abundant resource offers a multitude of advantages for both homeowners and businesses.

Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills. By generating your own clean power, you become less reliant on the grid and the fluctuations in electricity prices. In the long run, this translates to substantial financial savings.

Many governments around the world offer financial incentives to encourage the adoption of solar energy. These incentives can come in the form of tax credits, rebates, or grants, making solar power even more affordable. Additionally, there are various financing options available to help you spread out the cost of installation.

Considering going solar and wondering how to start and avoid making mistakes? Read our article Ultimate guide: DIY solar system kit.

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Years of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.

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