The Power of Scent: Understanding the Energy Consumption of Plug-In Air Fresheners

It might seem like a small and insignificant item, but the truth is that these air fresheners can add up, especially if you have multiple units plugged in around your home. 

In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the electricity usage of a typical plug-in air freshener and what it means for your energy bill. So, if you’re looking to make a more informed decision about the Energy Consumption of Plug-In Air Fresheners, keep reading!

How Much Electricity Does a Plug-in Air Freshener Use?

The amount of electricity a plug-in air freshener uses can vary depending on its size, design, and features. Plug-in air fresheners typically use 4 watts of power . This can result in 35 units of electricity being consumed each year when used continuously. 

To determine the exact amount of electricity a specific plug-in air freshener uses, you can check its specifications or look for the wattage listed on its packaging or product information.

It’s important to note that the wattage of a plug-in air freshener is the amount of electricity it uses per hour, so the total amount of electricity used will depend on how long the device is running.

Some models are more energy efficient and emit a strong fragrance while using minimal electricity. For example, Wallflowers plugs use less than 5% of the energy used by a 60-watt light bulb.

In addition, some plug-in air fresheners come equipped with features like timers or automatic shut-off, which can help reduce their power consumption.

Cost of Running a Plug-in Air Freshener

The cost of running a plug-in air freshener can vary depending on several factors, including its wattage, the number of hours it’s used each day, and local electricity rates.

As previously mentioned, plug-in air fresheners typically consume an average of 4 watts of electricity, so it’s important to check the label or product specifications before making a purchase.

To calculate the cost of running a plug-in air freshener, you can use the following formula: (wattage of the air freshener) x (number of hours used each day) / 1000 x (local electricity rate in kilowatt-hours) = cost of running the air freshener.

Let’s do the calculations using a 4W plug in air freshener.

If a plug in air freshener uses 4 watts continuously, we find the cost by multiplying energy x time.

4 watts x 24 hrs = 96 watt-hrs per day

48 x 365 days = 35,040 watt-hours per year

Divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours.

35,040/ 1,000 = 35.04 kilowatt-hours per year

The average cost for electricity in the USA is somewhere around 10 to 12 cents per kilowatt-hour. It is over 20 cents in Hawaii.

35.04 kilowatt-hours x 10 cents = $3.504 cost for one year

$3.504 / 12 months = $0.292 per month

That is going to be less than a half a cent per day.

how much does a plug in air freshener cost to run in the uk

Now, let’s do a calculation for a UK resident using a glade plugin to freshen up his home. We are going to consider glade plug-ins which consume 2 watts continuously. 

2 watts x 24 hrs = 48 watt-hrs per day

48 x 365 days = 17,520 watt-hours per year

Divide by 1,000 to get kilowatt-hours.

17,520 / 1,000 = 17.52 kilowatt-hours per year

The maximum cost for electricity in the UK is 34.0p/kWh for electricity.

17.52 kilowatt-hours x 34.0p = 595.68p (5.971 Pounds) cost for one year

595.68p / 12 months = 49.64p per month

That is going to be less than 2 pence per day.

Do Air Fresheners and Diffusers Use a Lot of Electricity?

Plug-in air fresheners typically use a small electric heater which warms a container of fragrance. The electricity consumption for this type of air freshener is usually low, with a typical unit using 4 watts. 

Standard plug-in air fresheners are energy efficient, emitting a fairly strong fragrance while using a minimal amount of electricity.

Oil diffusers, on the other hand, can consume more electricity. A typical .08-gallon oil diffuser will use 0.02 kilowatt-hours of power every hour, which would cost about $0.0024 per hour to run in a home.

However, note that oil diffusers come in different sizes and thus the amount of electricity they consume may vary.

It’s also important to note that the electricity used by these devices is generally spread out over time, so their impact on your monthly energy bill is likely to be minimal. 

For example, a plug-in air freshener that uses 6 watts of power for 8 hours a day will only consume approximately 43.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) in a year, which is equivalent to just a few dollars on your energy bill.

Additionally, some air fresheners and diffusers come equipped with energy-saving features like timers or automatic shut-off, which can help reduce their power consumption even further.

By using these features, you can minimize the amount of electricity used by your devices and keep your energy costs under control.

Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Air Fresheners and Diffusers

If you’re looking to improve the fragrance and ambience of your home in an energy-efficient way, there are a number of alternatives to air fresheners and diffusers that you may want to consider. 

Some of the most popular options include:

• Scented candles: Candles are often more energy-efficient than air fresheners and diffusers..
• Essential oils: Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, including in diffusers and oil burners. Many people prefer essential oils to air fresheners and diffusers because they are natural, chemical-free.
• Houseplants: Additionally, plants have been shown to have a calming effect on people and to boost mental wellbeing.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Mix baking soda and vinegar to neutralize odors.

Best Practices for Reducing the Cost of Running Air Fresheners and Diffusers.

Reducing the cost of running air fresheners and diffusers can be achieved through several best practices. 

• Choose energy-efficient alternatives such as battery-operated or rechargeable air fresheners and diffusers. These types of air fresheners and diffusers are designed to consume less energy, thus reducing electricity costs. 
• Properly maintain and clean the air freshener or diffuser, as a dirty or clogged device can use more energy and may need to be replaced sooner. 
• Turn off air fresheners and diffusers when they are not in use, as leaving them on can lead to excessive energy consumption. 
• Choose  air fresheners and diffusers that use natural essential oils can also reduce costs, as these products tend to be less expensive and more eco-friendly than synthetic air fresheners and diffusers.

Other ways of lowering the cost of scenting your home include:.

• Using Solid air fresheners are low-maintenance options that can be cost-effective, as they are easy to use and trap and release scented air .
• Going for Budget-friendly air fresheners such as Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Room Freshener or Febreze Odor-eliminating Plug Air Freshener and Air Wick Plug in Scented Oil Starter Kit.
• Choosing a diffuser that has a good mist output for a low price, like the PureMist diffuser, may result in lower costs as well .