How Much Electricity Does a Vacuum Cleaner Use?
So how much electricity does a vacuum cleaner use? A vacuum cleaner typically draws 1,000 to 1,440 watts, putting it in a similar range to a toaster oven while it's actually running. Since most people only vacuum for half an hour or so at a time, the cost per session stays low — use the calculator below with your own vacuum's wattage and typical cleaning time for a real number.
Calculate your cost to run a vacuum cleaner
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What affects how much electricity a vacuum cleaner uses
Motor power is the main factor, and it varies with the type of vacuum: full-size upright and canister models with strong suction motors generally draw more than a lightweight stick or handheld vacuum. Suction setting matters too, since running on a high-power setting for thick carpet draws more than a lower setting for bare floors. How long a cleaning session takes, which depends on the size of the space and how much needs to be covered, directly scales the total electricity used.
How to reduce your vacuum's electricity use
- Empty the bag or canister and clean the filter regularly, since a clogged vacuum has to work harder to maintain suction
- Use a lower suction setting on hard floors or light-duty cleanups where full power isn't needed
- Vacuum efficiently in overlapping passes rather than going over the same area repeatedly at random
- Choose a vacuum sized for your space; an oversized model run on a small area for a short time wastes less than an underpowered one struggling for a long time
Typical wattage figure: 1,000-1,440 W. Source: DOE-developed appliance energy table, reproduced by Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech), publication BSE-301. Upright and canister models with more powerful motors generally sit at the higher end of this range; cordless stick vacuums typically draw less. We review this figure periodically and update it if the source changes; last checked September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does a vacuum cleaner use?
A vacuum cleaner typically draws 1,000 to 1,440 watts, according to a DOE-developed appliance energy table reproduced by Virginia Cooperative Extension, with full-size upright and canister models generally running toward the higher end and lightweight stick vacuums lower.
How much does it cost to run a vacuum cleaner?
A 1,200-watt vacuum run for 30 minutes at the U.S. average rate of about 16.5 cents/kWh costs roughly $0.10 per session. Use the calculator above with your own vacuum's wattage and typical cleaning time for an exact figure.
Does a more powerful vacuum use a lot more electricity?
It draws more wattage while running, yes, but a stronger vacuum can also finish the same area faster, which partly offsets the higher draw. The bigger cost driver in practice is usually how long you're vacuuming, not the difference between one model's motor and another's.
How can I reduce how much electricity my vacuum cleaner uses?
Empty the bag or canister and clean the filter regularly, since a clogged vacuum has to work harder to maintain suction, and use a lower suction setting on hard floors or light cleanups where you don't need full power.
This page provides estimates based on typical wattage figures and the numbers you enter. Actual electricity cost depends on your specific vacuum model, suction setting, and cleaning time.