Does a treadmill use a lot of electricity: a detailed guide
Today, many are trying to get a treadmill at home because this is one of the simplest methods of keeping the body in the right shape. You don’t even need to leave your home to do this. However, many are interested in how much electricity does a treadmill use. You can read more information about this below.
Factors affecting the consumption of electricity
To accurately answer the question, of how much electricity does a treadmill use, many parameters should be taken into account. Even if you and your friend use the same treadmill model, the electrical energy consumption will be different.
This is due to various factors. Below, you can read more information about factors affecting the consumption of electricity.
Engine power
The first thing you should pay attention to is the amount of horsepower. This is a measurement parameter that helps determine the power of the engine.
Indicators may vary from 1.5 to 4 horsepower. If you choose a model that is designed for walking, it has less power.
If you select treadmills designed for intensive workouts, you should be prepared for the fact that they are quite powerful. The higher the power of the device, the higher the speed can be set. Therefore, they consume more electricity.
Treadmill power
This option has been mentioned a little before. It is always possible to convert power to watts to understand how much electricity the treadmill use. Power rating can be calculated independently by multiplying the number of horsepower by 746. For example:
- if 1 horsepower, then the device consumes 746 watts;
- at 1.5 horsepower, 1119 watts are expended;
- at 2.25 horsepower, 1679 watts are expended;
- at 2.5 horsepower, 1865 watts are expended;
- at 3.75 horsepower, 2798 watts are expended;
- at 4 horsepower, 2984 watts are expended.
Working speed
In the question of how much electricity does a treadmill use, you also need to consider the fact at what speed you plan to train. The faster you run, the more power is required. Therefore, the treadmill consumes much more electricity.
It’s a bit like how a car works. The faster the vehicle is moving, the more fuel is consumed. This parameter is much more difficult to measure. However, there are approximate indicators that you can focus on.
If you set the speed to 1 mph, then on average, the device consumes 0.00376 kWh. At a speed of 5 miles per hour, the treadmill will consume 0.372 kW. If you set the speed to 10 miles per hour, then the track will consume 0.712 kW per hour. Even if the device is turned off, but not unplugged, there is no power consumption.
Tilt options
For the device to lift the person, it needs much more electric power. Yes, it increases electricity usage a little. However, the difference will not be so significant. If you set a steep incline throughout the entire workout, then the energy consumption will increase significantly.
During training, the change in incline levels is not very active. Often people try to first establish one level, and so train for an entire hour. Therefore, utility bills will not differ much. Yes, slopes contribute to rapid weight loss.
If the slope is about -3%, then the device consumes 0.011 kW per hour. If the slope is from -6% to 0%, the consumption is 0.019 kWh. If you set the slope to 3-6%, then the consumption is 0.025 kW per hour. With a slope of 15-20%, the device consumes 0.033 kW per hour. With a slope of 35-40%, the consumption will be 0.045 kW per hour.
As you can see, the slope parameters have a direct impact on the treadmill power consumption parameters. If you lower the deck, then the increase in power will not be too strong.
Workout duration
It is important to pay attention to how much time you plan to train. If you use the device for an hour, then the treadmill power consumption of electrical energy is much greater than with a half-hour workout.
You need to understand that the difference will not be too visible. Therefore, you should not sacrifice the effectiveness of a long workout to save money. Remember that the state of your body and health is not worth the cents that you overpay for utility bills.
Installing additional functions
Classic electric treadmills are the best option for daily use. However, recently, more and more devices have been introduced to the market that has additional features. This could be a heart rate monitor, calorie counter, etc.
You can find options inside which a music player is installed, as well as a distance tracker. You need to understand that each additional function that you run will increase the treadmill’s power consumption of electricity. Therefore, you have to pay a little more for utility bills.
Body mass
The treadmill power consumption of electricity depends on the body weight of the person who will train. The more you weigh, the more electric power of treadmill usage you may notice.
This is due to the operation of the control module. If a heavy person gets on the track, the board sends a signal to the electric motor. This signal to the electric motor cause it to increase its power if resistance is found. It is observed as soon as you get your feet on the track.
Device age
As you know, over time, the work of the treadmill changes. This is due to engine wear. Therefore, every year, the engine will consume much more power.
The increase in treadmill electricity consumption may be because the belt has worn out.
Therefore, to normalize the condition, it is recommended to replace the belt or apply lubricant. Otherwise, friction forces the engine to work harder.
Average electrical energy consumption
If the treadmill is 2 horsepower, on average, it consumes about 1500 watts. The exact figures vary depending on the model used, however, the differences will be minor.
On average, the power of a treadmill varies from 1.5 to 3 horsepower. The NordicTrack Commercial is considered the most popular model, with a power of 3.75 horsepower. At the same time, it consumes about 1.75 kW. If the horsepower is 2.6, then the electricity consumption is 1.9 kW.
It should also be noted that the Reebok GT30 is considered the most purchased treadmill model. The engine has a power of 2 horsepower. If you have such a device, you can independently calculate not the average, but the actual consumption of electricity.
To do this, you have to test the device a little. You need to understand that manufacturers indicate the maximum rated power. Most people do not run the treadmill at maximum power for a long time while they are exercising. Therefore, actual consumption will be discussed further.
Actual electricity consumption
It must be understood that the actual consumption of electricity depends on numerous factors. You need to consider how long you use the device, or what settings you set. As already mentioned, the higher the speed of the track, the more it consumes electricity.
To calculate the actual electricity consumption, you should record the average values by setting different speeds. For ease of miscalculation, a special monitor is installed on most models. It is important to pay attention to the weight of the user, the quality of the equipment, and the slope of the track itself.
In order not to have to constantly monitor the indicators on the counter, you can use tables with average indicators, which can be found on the network. The electricity cost is approximately indicated there, and you know exactly what electricity bill will come.
If you set a moderate training intensity, which lasts about 150 minutes per week, the power consumption is 0.7 kilowatt-hours. The speed of the treadmill must not exceed 3.5 miles per hour.
That is, a week you have to pay an additional electricity bill of about 10 cents. The amount will be $5.1 per year. And monthly utility bills will increase by just 43 cents.
Intensive training will consume much less electricity. This is because intense workouts are not long, and most people only last 15-30 minutes. It all depends on physical fitness.
Based on the advice that was offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, not very intense workouts consume only 3 cents per week more than fairly intense workouts. A weekly aerobic activity that lasts 75 minutes a week would require 0.5kW.
That is, weekly electricity costs are only 4 cents. You only have to pay 30 cents a month, and you pay energy costs of about $3.6 a year. Although such electricity costs are considered insignificant, it is better to reduce the power consumption of electricity.
This reduces your carbon footprint. In this case, you pay less for electricity.
How to reduce electricity consumption?
If you want to reduce your utility bills, there are several ways you can take advantage of them. If you know them you can get all advantages.
Using the treadmill handle
A special treadmill, which has manual control, helps to save on the power consumption of electricity. The most versatile option would be the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M manual treadmill.
This manual treadmill is compact. The treadmill consumes little electricity. There is an LCD that runs on two batteries.
Run outside
If weather permits, try not to exercise at home. Better go outside and run there. This additionally creates benefits for the body.
Treadmill maintenance
Try to read the manufacturer’s operating instructions to know exactly what maintenance is required. If the device runs smoothly, the treadmill lasts longer. In the future, due to minimal friction, you can save on electricity costs.
Eliminate the start of the track at idle
You cannot leave the track idle. After all, you are wasting electricity. Try to turn off the device if you stop training, even to drink water. At the end of your workout, unplug the treadmill.
You can additionally buy a smart plug if you have trouble disconnecting the device in time. Its cost is small; however, it helps to save a lot.
FAQ
When using a treadmill, you may encounter numerous issues. You can read the answers to more important questions below.
Does a treadmill run up your electric bill?
The average treadmill wattage is 600-700 watts. In a month, you pay an additional $1.2 for electricity costs. Bills for the year will increase by $14.4.
How much electricity does the treadmill consume?
If you look at the answer to the question of how much electricity does the treadmill consume, the device consumes 0.6-0.7 kilowatt-hour of electricity.
Should I unplug my treadmill when not in use?
If you are not using the treadmill, it should be turned off. You can just click on the disable button. However, it is better to remove the plug from the socket. This positively affects the performance of the device. In this case, you consume less electricity.
Is it worth having a treadmill at home?
If you have the opportunity, be sure to buy a treadmill for your home. If you practice it every day, you can improve your stamina and health. At the same time, you change your figure for the better.
It must be understood that the electricity costs of such structures are not so high, but also the device cost is quite high. However, you have the opportunity to conduct effective workouts every day. Given that the price range is quite large, you can choose the one that suits your budget.
Does a treadmill use a lot of electricity: Results
As you can see, in the question of how much electricity does a treadmill consume, we can say that electric treadmills do not consume too much electricity. On average, you pay about $15 extra on your bills each year for your electrical appliances. Agree, this is a low cost for the fact that you can keep yourself in shape.