Lifestyle

Powering your daily activities

Daily energy

March 2025

Electricity powers so many of our daily activities, from charging devices to cooking meals. But how much energy do these tasks use, and what could they cost? While costs vary depending on electricity rates and usage, here’s a rough guide to help you understand their impact.

1. Charging Your Phone

  • Energy Use: A typical smartphone charge uses about 15 watt-hours (Wh), adding up to around 5.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year.
  • Estimated Cost: Less than $2 per year, depending on your electricity plan.

2. Charging Your Smartwatch

  • Energy Use: Smartwatches are even more efficient, using about 0.55 kWh per year.
  • Estimated Cost: Likely under 50 cents per year—a very small part of your overall energy bill.

3. Cooking with an Air Fryer

  • Energy Use: A standard air fryer runs at 1,500 watts (W). Using it for 30 minutes a few times a week could add up to around 150 kWh per year.
  • Estimated Cost: Roughly $40–$50 per year, depending on usage and electricity rates.

4. Blending a Smoothie

  • Energy Use: A 500W blender running for 2 minutes per day only uses around 6 kWh per year.
  • Estimated Cost: Likely under $2 per year, making it a low-impact activity.

5. Watching a Movie on TV

  • Energy Use: A 100W LED TV playing a 2-hour movie uses about 0.2 kWh. Watching a few movies a week could use around 50–60 kWh per year.
  • Estimated Cost: Around $15–$20 per year, though older or larger TVs may use more power.

6. Running on a Treadmill for 30 Minutes

  • Energy Use: A treadmill typically uses 1,500W–2,200W, so 30 minutes a few times a week could add up to 250–300 kWh per year.
  • Estimated Cost: Around $75–$100 per year, depending on your electricity rates.

How Can You Reduce Costs?

✅ Unplug devices when not in use – Some gadgets still use power even when switched off.
✅ Use energy-efficient appliances – Look for high energy star ratings to save in the long run.
✅ Be mindful of high-energy activities – Getting outside for a run when you can or batch-cooking meals can help.

While individual activities may not cost much, they can add up over time. Small changes can help lower your energy use and save money on your bills!

You can run a mini audit on your personal energy use easily with our home energy audit.