Vacuum cleaners are not usually the biggest energy users in a UK home, but their running cost is still useful to understand—especially if you clean often or are comparing corded, cordless and robot models.
Vacuum cleaner energy consumption depends on two things: how much power the appliance uses and how long it runs. A high-wattage vacuum may cost more per hour, but a shorter cleaning session can still keep the total cost low. This guide explains wattage, kWh, typical running costs and how to choose a vacuum that cleans efficiently without wasting electricity.
Understanding Wattage, Kilowatt-Hours, and Energy Costs
Wattage (W) tells you how much electrical power a vacuum cleaner uses while it is running. A 700W vacuum uses less power at any given moment than a 1,200W vacuum, but your total energy use also depends on how long you clean.
Electricity bills are calculated in kilowatt-hours, or kWh. One kilowatt-hour means using 1,000 watts for one hour.
Use this formula:
Energy used (kWh) = watts × hours used ÷ 1,000
Then calculate cost:
Running cost = energy used × electricity unit rate
Using Ofgem’s July–September 2026 average electricity unit rate of 26.11p per kWh for Direct Debit customers in England, Scotland and Wales, a 700W vacuum used for 30 minutes costs about 9p to run: 700 × 0.5 ÷ 1,000 = 0.35 kWh, and 0.35 × £0.2611 = about £0.09.
Power Consumption by Vacuum Type
Different types of vacuum cleaners are designed for different cleaning tasks, so their electricity use varies as well. Larger vacuums typically use more power while operating, whereas battery-powered and robot models generally consume less electricity because they rely on smaller motors.
Corded Upright and Cylinder Vacuums
Corded upright and cylinder vacuums typically use between 500 and 1,200 watts, with most newer models sold in the UK falling within the lower end of this range. Because they are plugged directly into the mains, they can maintain consistent suction throughout longer cleaning sessions. Their electricity use depends on how long they are operated rather than their maximum wattage.
Cordless Stick Vacuums
Cordless stick vacuums typically use between 100 and 500 watts, depending on the model and selected cleaning mode. They usually consume less power than traditional corded models because they have rechargeable batteries and smaller motors. Most are designed also for quick daily cleaning rather than extended whole-house vacuuming, so their runtime is often 20 to 60 minutes.
Handheld Vacuums
Handheld vacuums are among the lowest-energy vacuum cleaners, with 50 to 200 watts, because they are intended for short cleaning tasks. They are commonly used to clean furniture, stairs, cars, or small spills instead of entire rooms. Since most cleaning sessions last a few minutes, their overall electricity consumption remains very low even with frequent use.
Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuums typically use between 20 and 50 watts while cleaning, making them the most energy-efficient option for regular floor maintenance. They combine compact motors with intelligent navigation, efficient brush systems, and sensors that help clean floors methodically without drawing unnecessary power.
Unlike traditional vacuums, they use electricity both while cleaning and when recharging their batteries after each cleaning cycle. They also remain connected to their charging dock between cleaning sessions, but once fully charged, modern models switch to a very low standby power level to stay ready for scheduled cleaning without continuously drawing full charging power
| Vacuum Type | Typical Wattage | Average Runtime Per Session | Estimated Electricity Used per Hour | Approximate Running Cost per Hour* |
| Corded Upright and Cylinder Vacuums | 500 to 1,200 W | 30-60 minutes | 0.25 to 1.20 kWh | £0.06 to £0.32 |
| Cordless Stick Vacuums | 100 to 500 W | 20-60 minutes | 0.10 to 0.50 kWh | £0.03 to £0.14 |
| Handheld Vacuums | 50 to 200 W | 15-30 minutes | 0.01 to 0.10 kWh | £0.01 to £0.02 |
| Robot Vacuums | 20 to 50 W | 60-180 minutes | 0.02 to 0.05 kWh | £0.01 to £0.01 |
*Estimated running costs are based on the Ofgem average electricity cost of £26.11 per kWh for July 2026. Actual electricity costs vary depending on your supplier, tariff, and region.
How to Calculate Your Vacuum Cleaner’s Running Cost
Working out how much your vacuum cleaner costs to run is easier than you may expect. All you need is your vacuum's wattage, the number of hours it is used, and your electricity tariff. Once you know them, you can get the running cost for a single session or even your annual electricity use.
Step 1: Convert the vacuum's wattage into kilowatts.
Formula: Kilowatts (kW) = Watts ÷ 1,000
Step 2: Calculate electricity used bymultiplying your vacuum cleaner's power rating in kilowatts by the number of hours it runs using this formula:
Energy Used (kWh) = (Kilowatts x Hours Used)
For example, if an 800W vacuum runs for 30 minutes (0.5 hours), the calculation would be: 800W × 0.5 = 0.4 kWh. This means the vacuum uses 0.4 kWh of electricity for that cleaning session.
Step 3: Multiply the electricity used by your electricity tariff to estimate the running cost.
Running Cost = Energy Used (kWh) x Average Electricity Cost (£ per kWh)
Below are example calculations of the running costs per vacuum cleaner type based on typical market product wattage data from Sust-It. The computations also used Ofgem's average electricity cost of £0.26 per kWh (including VAT) for July 2026.
Example 1: Corded Upright and Cylinder Vacuum
Suppose you use a 700W corded vacuum for 30 minutes.
Cleaning Time: 0.5 hours
Energy Used: (700W x 0.5) ÷ 1,000 = 0.35 kWh
Running Cost: 0.35 kWh x £0.26 = £0.91 per one cleaning session
Example 2: Cordless Stick Vacuum
Now suppose you use a 150W cordless stick vacuum for 20 minutes.
Cleaning Time: 0.33 hours
Energy used: (150W x 0.33) = 0.049 kWh
Running cost: 0.049 x £0.26 = £0.011 per cleaning session.
Example 3: Handheld Vacuum
Let’s say you use a 75W corded vacuum for 30 minutes.
Cleaning Time: 0.5 hours
Energy Used: (75W x 0.5) ÷ 1,000 = 0.0375 kWh
Running Cost: 0.0375 kWh x £0.26 = £0.009 per one cleaning session
Example 4: Robot Vacuum
Finally, imagine a 40W robot vacuum cleaning automatically for 2 hours.
Cleaning Time: 2 hours
Energy Used: (40W x 2) ÷ 1,000 = 0.08 kWh
Running Cost: 0.08kWh x £0.26 = £0.02 per cleaning session
Does a Vacuum Cleaner Use a Lot of Electricity?
Compared with many household appliances, vacuum cleaners are not particularly heavy electricity users. While they may have noticeable motor power ratings, they are usually operated for relatively short periods, which keeps their overall energy consumption low. For most households, appliances that produce heat consume far more electricity over the course of a year.
A tumble dryer or washing machine typically uses considerably more electricity than a vacuum cleaner because they run for longer periods and often heat water or air. Even an electric kettle draws much more power than most vacuums, although it is only used for a few minutes at a time. Vacuum cleaners represent a relatively small share of a household's annual electricity use.
Robot vacuums are particularly energy efficient because they rely on compact motors and clean little and often rather than requiring long, high-powered cleaning sessions. Although they also consume electricity while recharging, the overall energy required for its operation remains low. This makes them a practical option for maintaining cleaner floors without increasing your bills.
Does Higher Wattage Mean Better Cleaning?
No, a higher wattage does not automatically mean a vacuum cleaner will clean better. Wattage only measures how much electrical power the motor can consume, not how effectively the vacuum removes dust, pet hair, or debris from your floors. Two vacuum cleaners with similar wattage can deliver very different cleaning results due to their differences in design and technology.
A vacuum's cleaning performance also depends on several factors working together, including suction power, airflow, brush design, and the efficiency of the air path. Suction power helps lift dirt from carpets and hard floors, while airflow carries that dirt through the vacuum and into the dust bag. If either suction or airflow is weak, its cleaning performance can be reduced.
You may also come across the term air watts (AW), which combines suction power and airflow into a single measurement. While not every manufacturer publishes air watt ratings, they generally provide a better indication of cleaning performance than motor wattage alone. This is why many modern vacuum cleaners with lower wattage can still deliver excellent cleaning results.
Additionally, the EU Ecodesign Regulation helped change the way vacuum cleaners are designed by limiting the maximum motor wattage of new models while still requiring them to meet cleaning performance standards. Instead of relying on larger motors, manufacturers improved brush rolls, airflow systems, filtration, and floorhead design to maintain strong cleaning performance.
Tips to Reduce Your Vacuum Cleaner’s Energy Use
Reducing your vacuum cleaner's energy use doesn't have to be difficult or require changing your cleaning routine completely. Below are some tips that can help your vacuum work more efficiently, improve cleaning performance, and avoid wasting electricity.
Clean filters and brushes regularly
Clean or replace the filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations, and remove hair or debris tangled around the brush roll after each few cleaning sessions. Keeping these parts clean improves airflow, helps maintain strong suction, and allows the motor to operate more efficiently.
Use the right cleaning mode
Choose the cleaning mode that matches your floor type rather than using the highest power setting for every room. Lower or standard modes are often sufficient for hard floors and everyday dust, while higher power settings are better reserved for thick carpets or stubborn dirt.
Avoid unnecessary cleaning cycles
Vacuuming more often than necessary increases electricity use and places additional wear on the appliance. Focus on vacuuming rooms that receive the most foot traffic. Spot cleaning between regular whole-house sessions can also help maintain cleanliness without extending cleaning time
Optimise robot vacuum schedules
Set your robot vacuum to clean regularly so it removes light dust and debris before they build up into heavier messes. Schedule cleaning only for the rooms that need it and at times when the home is quiet, allowing the robot to complete its cleaning cycle efficiently.
Leave your robot vacuum docked for daily use, but unplug it during long absences
Some robot vacuums come with a built-in battery protection system. For eufy RoboVac models, keep them on their charging base during everyday use, so it stays charged and ready for scheduled cleaning. Once the battery is fully charged, it stops active charging to prevent overcharging.
However, if you plan to be away from home for an extended period, such as around a week or longer, switch off the robot using the main power switch. Then unplug both the power adapter and the charging base to improve your safety during long absences.
Recommended eufy Robot Vacuums for Efficient Everyday Cleaning
Among common types of vacuum cleaners, robot vacuums remain the most efficient option because of their low electricity consumption. If you’re searching for efficient models without sacrificing quality cleaning, the eufy robot vacuums below help reduce your electricity use through smart battery management, scheduled cleaning, and smart navigation.
eufy Omni S2 Robot Vacuum
The eufy Omni S2 Robot Vacuum makes your everyday floor cleaning feel almost effortless by taking care of routine vacuuming and mopping on a schedule. Instead of you spending time cleaning every day, you can let it run while you're at work, running errands, or simply relaxing at home.
Its CleanMind AI and 3D MatrixEye 2.0 recognise rooms, avoid everyday obstacles, and choose efficient cleaning routes, so it spends less time wandering and more time actually cleaning. It also knows when it reaches carpets, lifting its mop automatically to keep rugs dry while continuing to vacuum thoroughly.
What really makes the Omni S2 practical is how little attention it needs once it's set up. Its 12-in-1 UniClean Station empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop, and prepares the robot for its next cleaning session, so daily upkeep stays largely hands-free. This is a strong choice if you want a complete hands-free experience of a premium deep cleaner.
eufy Omni C28 Robot Vacuum
The eufy Omni C28 Robot Vacuum features LDS laser navigation, iPath 2.0 obstacle avoidance, and smart room recognition that help map your home, move efficiently around furniture, and clean each room with fewer missed spots.
Through the eufy app, you can customise cleaning schedules, assign different cleaning modes to individual rooms, and let the robot handle the routine automatically. That means less time pushing a vacuum yourself and more time relaxing.
Its 5-in-1 station automatically empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop, refills clean water, and collects wastewater, while the large dust bag can go up to 75 days before needing replacement. The DuoSpiral detangling brushes reduce hair wrap, and the self-cleaning roller mop keeps scrubbing as it cleans, making it especially useful for busy homes with children or pets.
eufy Omni E28 Robot Vacuum
For multi-surface cleaning, the eufy Omni E28 Robot Vacuum is a standout option. It offers vacuuming, mopping, and the industry’s first portable deep cleaner integrated into the Omni station to tackle every mess, from your carpets to hard floors and fabric surfaces.
While the robot handles scheduled vacuuming and mopping, the portable deep cleaner can be used on your sofas, stairs, mattresses, car interiors, or unexpected spills whenever they happen.
With powerful 20,000 Pa suction, a CornerRover Arm, and the HydroJet System, it cleans along edges, lifts dirt from carpets, and scrubs away everyday stains on hard floors in a single routine. Its all-in-one station automatically empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop, and stores enough clean water for multiple mopping sessions, so routine maintenance stays minimal.
eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum
With an ultra-slim 3.35-inch body, the eufy Omni C20 Robot Vacuum easily slips under your beds, sofas, cabinets, and other low furniture where dust and pet hair often collect.
Combined with 7,000 Pa suction and Mop Master Technology, it vacuums and mops at the same time, making routine floor cleaning more efficient for you. You can also schedule cleaning through the eufy app, so it keeps up with everyday dust, crumbs, and light spills while you're busy with other tasks.
Keeping the Omni C20 running is just as simple as letting it clean. Its all-in-one station automatically empties the dustbin, washes and dries the mop, and refills water, while its Pro-Detangle Comb removes tangled hair from the roller brush.
Final Thoughts
Understanding vacuum cleaner energy consumption makes it much easier to estimate running costs, compare different vacuum types, and choose the right appliance for your home. While wattage is an important specification, factors such as cleaning efficiency, runtime, airflow, and overall design play a much bigger role in real-world performance.
Modern vacuum cleaners, including robot vacuums, are designed to deliver effective cleaning while using electricity more efficiently than many older models. By choosing a vacuum that matches your household's needs and using it efficiently, you can keep your home clean while keeping electricity costs under control.
FAQs
Do vacuum cleaners use a lot of electricity?
No, vacuum cleaners generally don’t use a lot of electricity compared with many other household appliances. This is partly because the EU Ecodesign Regulation introduced stricter energy efficiency requirements, limiting the motor wattage of new vacuum cleaners while ensuring they still met cleaning performance standards. As a result, many modern models deliver effective cleaning with less power than older, higher-wattage machines. Since vacuum cleaners are also typically used for short periods, their overall electricity consumption remains relatively low.
How much electricity does a vacuum cleaner use?
The amount of electricity used by a vacuum cleaner depends on its wattage and how long it runs. Corded upright and cylinder vacuums typically use 500 to 1,200 watts, while cordless stick vacuums use 100 to 500 watts. Meanwhile, handheld vacuums use 50 to 200 watts, and robot vacuums generally use 20 to 50 watts while cleaning. Since electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), longer cleaning sessions consume more energy than shorter ones.
How many kWh does a vacuum use per hour?
The power consumption of a vacuum cleaner per hour is calculated by dividing its wattage by 1,000. For example, a 900-watt vacuum uses approximately 0.9 kWh if operated continuously for one hour, while a 600-watt model uses 0.6 kWh. A robot vacuum with a 50-watt motor uses only about 0.05 kWh during one hour of cleaning. Since many cleaning sessions last less than an hour, the actual electricity consumed is often significantly lower.
How much does it cost to run a vacuum for an hour?
The cost depends on your vacuum's wattage and your electricity tariff. Using an example electricity price of 27p per kWh, a 600-watt vacuum costs about 16 pence to run for one hour, while a 900-watt model costs around 24 pence. A robot vacuum using 40 watts costs only about 1 penny per hour of cleaning. Since most people vacuum for less than an hour at a time, the cost of a typical cleaning session is usually only a few pence.
Should I unplug my robot vacuum when not in use?
For eufy RoboVac models, you don’t need to unplug your robot vacuum. They are designed to remain on the charging base after reaching a full charge because they have built-in battery protection that stops active charging and prevents overcharging. The charging dock then uses only a very small amount of standby electricity while keeping the robot ready for scheduled cleaning. But if you plan to be away from home, it’s best to unplug the charging base and the power adapter.
