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Electricity: Calculate Running Cost Of An Inflatable

How Much Does It Cost To Operate a Giant Inflatable?

Wondering how much an inflatable costs to operate? If you know how many cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) you pay for electricity, it's easy to calculate the running cost of your inflatable by multiplying one by the other.

How To Calculate the Electricity Consumption (in kWh)

You need to use kilowatts in your calculations, so if your rating plate is expressed in watts instead of kilowatts, divide that number by 1000 to determine kilowatts. If your rating plate is expressed in volts and amps, multiply the volts by the amps = watts, then divide by 1000 to get kilowatts.

The kilowatt rating of an appliance is equal to the number of units of electricity it consumes per hour of operation. Those units of electricity are expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh).

  • Small, internal blower systems use .336 units (kWh) of electricity per hour

  • Our externa1 Dri Eaz blower system uses 1.32 units (kWh) of electricity per hour.

 

Calculate Running Cost

Refer to your latest electricity bill to find out the unit rate you are paying for electricity. It is expressed in cents per kWh. Most locations have 2 rates - one for peak supply and one for off-peak. Use the peak rate to calculate running costs of your inflatable system.

Multiply kWh by electricity cost

If your electricity cost is 12 cents per unit:

  • An average 8' inflatable will cost .336 x 0.12 = 4 cents per hour to run. (about $0.97 USD per day.)

  • An average 20' inflatable will cost 1.32 x 0.12 = 16 cents per hour to run. (about $3.80 USD per day.)

So, as you can see, not only are the inflatables themselves the best value for outdoor advertising, they are also inexpensive to operate, thus keeping your overhead costs low!


View More "Before You Order" Articles

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What Others Say About Landmark Creations


"[There was] fun, excitement, and encouragement for everyone to actually walk under/through [the arch] and it worked.  We have cheerleaders and small children at the finish line by the arch handing out stickers, saying ‘I did it.’ Before we had the arch, [people] would straggle in anywhere."

- Jackie Allen, March of Dimes

"Landmark worked with us to make sure our client was satisfied with the product. They provided great customer service and got us answers when we needed them."

- April Lo, SKA Events

"Give our races a 'big event' feel.  They look cool in photos and videos, and they help us establish the look and feel of our brand."

- Sam Abbitt, Savage Race

"Thanks so much, [the inflatables] look great. I am truly impressed. (So is the client.) I'll look forward to working with you in the future."

- W.C.P., CRN International

"Since they were purchased, these Sonic areas have attracted a great deal of attention when using the cup at the store or at special events in the community. [...] You have been excellent to do business with, always letting us know about any special deals and shipping the items quickly so we can start putting them to work. I appreciate your attention to our group of Sonics and for handling your business in a very professional manner, always delivering any information I need when making a decision. Here is a special thanks, with a "cherry on top."

- Mason-Harrison, Jarrard Enterprises

"We had the inflatable hockey player out in front of the coliseum and it caused such a crowd! Thanks for the professional job you and your company did for me!"

- Scott Adams, Liquid Box Inc.