Do Water Fountains Use a Lot of Electricity?

No, water fountains do not use a lot of electricity. If you're thinking about adding a fountain to your home or garden, you'll be happy to know that they consume very little energy when compared to most household appliances. Many potential fountain buyers are pleasantly surprised that the beauty and tranquility a fountain brings won't have a significant impact on their monthly electric bill.

Fountains require electricity to power the pump that circulates the water within the fountain. The amount of electricity consumed depends on the size of the fountain, the pump's wattage, and how long it runs each day.

How Much Electricity Does a Small Water Fountain Use?

Energy use can range from 2.5 watts for small indoor fountains to over 70 watts for larger outdoor water features.

All fountains use a water pump to circulate water so they stay running. These pumps are available in various sizes and wattages, which directly affect the amount of electricity they consume.

To give you a better idea of the energy usage, a small indoor fountain with a 2.5-watt pump uses about the same amount of electricity as a nightlight running continuously for 24 hours. In contrast, a 100-watt outdoor fountain pump consumes about the same amount of energy as leaving an incandescent light bulb on all day. These examples help highlight the minimal amount of energy most fountains actually use.

But wattage is only part of the equation. The actual electricity consumption depends on both the pump's wattage and how many hours it runs each day. Pumps are typically designed to run continuously to avoid the wear and tear caused by frequent stopping and starting, which can lead to motor burnout. If your fountain operates 24/7, your energy cost will be higher.

Calculate Your Fountain's Energy Cost with This  Formula!

It all starts with a simple and straightforward formula to determine how much electricity your fountain uses. You can calculate the cost as follows:

(Pump wattage) × (Hours operating per day) ÷ 1,000 × (Cost per kWh) = Total energy cost

Let's suppose you have a 50-watt fountain pump, and it runs 24 hours a day. The cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in your area is $0.14.

Energy rates vary by location, ranging from $0.10 to over $0.20 per kWh. For your most accurate rate, you can check your electricity bill or your utility provider’s website. Your state's public utility commission will also provide average rates in your area.

Calculation:

• Pump wattage: 50 watts
• Hours per day: 24
• Energy cost per kWh: $0.14

First, multiply the wattage by the number of hours the fountain runs per day:
50 watts × 24 hours = 1,200 watt-hours per day

Next, convert this to kilowatt-hours (since electricity is billed in kWh) by dividing by 1,000:
1,200 watt-hours ÷ 1,000 = 1.2 kWh per day

Finally, multiply the daily energy usage by the cost of electricity:
1.2 kWh × $0.14 = $0.168 per day

If your fountain runs every day continuously, you can calculate the yearly cost:
$0.168 per day × 365 days = $61.32 per year

This means the yearly cost to operate a 50-watt fountain running continuously is around $61.32, assuming a cost of $0.14 per kWh.

The Key Factors Behind Your Energy Costs

The energy cost of running a fountain depends on a variety of factors, including:

1. Pump Size: Larger pumps with higher wattages will consume more electricity. A small, 2.5-watt indoor fountain would cost much less to operate than a larger outdoor fountain with a 50-watt pump.
2. Duration of Operation: Fountains that run 24/7 will naturally consume more electricity than those that run intermittently.
3. Energy Rates in Your Area: Electricity costs vary widely depending on where you live. The U.S. national average is around $0.12 per kWh, but some regions enjoy rates as low as $0.10 per kWh, while others may see prices exceeding $0.20 per kWh.
   You can always check your utility bill to find your cost per kilowatt-hour.
4. Efficiency of the Pump: When you're buying a fountain or replacing a pump, consider energy-efficient models to help reduce your energy use. You can also find solar-powered pumps, which in some cases can completely eliminate the need for electricity.

Smart Tips to Reduce Your Fountain's Energy Usage

If you're concerned about the electricity consumption of your fountain, there are several ways you can reduce energy usage and costs:

• Use a Timer: A simple way to cut down on energy costs is to use a timer that automatically turns your fountain off during certain hours. For example, if your fountain is used only during the day, you may want to turn it off at night. However, before making that decision, be sure to read our article titled Should I Leave My Fountain On All the Time? for more insights.

• Switch to Solar Power: There are many small and medium-sized fountains that operate with solar-powered pumps. While these pumps may not be as powerful as electric ones, they can work well in areas with a lot of sunlight.

• Choose Energy-Efficient Pumps: Look for pumps that are labeled as energy-efficient. These pumps are designed to do the same job with less power, reducing your overall energy consumption.

• Regular Maintenance: Make sure your pump is running efficiently by cleaning it regularly. Dirt, debris, and algae can build up in a pump and cause clogging. A clogged pump has to work harder to circulate the water, which can lead to increased energy usage.

Final Thoughts

So, do water fountains use a lot of electricity? No, they don't. The cost of running a fountain is reasonable for most people. However, by controlling how long your fountain operates, selecting the right pump size, and opting for energy-efficient models, you can enjoy the beauty and calming benefits of a fountain without worrying about your electric bill.

If you have any questions, we'd love to hear from you! Our team is passionate about fountains and we're here to help. Please feel free to give us a call at 1-800-975-4022 ext. 3 or drop us an email at support@theblissfulplace.com. We look forward to serving you!