Is a water softener expensive to run?

Demand-initiated regeneration (metered, not timer-based) saves both salt and the little power it does use. At typical use it adds about $0.11 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $0.07 in the cheapest states to $0.27 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a water softener use?

Water Softener typically draws about 70 running watts. It's a resistive load, so its startup and running wattage are the same. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a water softener use?

At typical use (70 W for 0.3 hours a day), a water softener uses about 0.0 kWh per day — roughly 1 kWh per month, or about 1% of what the average US home uses in a month (863 kWh). Energy used doesn't depend on your electricity rate — only the bill does.

How can I lower the cost of running a water softener?

Demand-initiated regeneration (metered, not timer-based) saves both salt and the little power it does use. You can also cut the cost by lowering your electricity rate — many utilities offer cheaper off-peak hours — or simply by running it fewer hours. The calculator on this page shows how changing hours per day or your electricity rate moves the number.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Water Softener?

A softener's electronics idle at a trickle and the motor only works during regeneration — salt costs more than the electricity. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a water softener costs about $0.11/month ($1.26/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 0.3

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a water softener

$1/yr

Per day: $0.00
Per month: $0.11
Energy per year: 8 kWh

Cost = power (kW) × hours × days × your rate. Defaults are typical values — enter your appliance's actual watts (often on a label) and your real rate for a precise figure.

How much electricity does a water softener use?

At 70 W for 0.3 hours a day, a water softener uses about 0.0 kWh per day — roughly 1 kWh per month and 8 kWh per year. That's about 1% of the 863 kWh the average US home uses in a month. Energy use is the same everywhere — only the price per kWh changes your bill.

Wondering about the circuit instead? See how many amps a water softener draws.

Cost to run a water softener by electricity rate

Same 70 W appliance, 0.3 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$0.07	$0.88
US average	16.5¢	$0.11	$1.26
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$0.27	$3.29

Find your state's rate on the electricity rates by state page, or see the appliance wattage chart for more devices.

Frequently asked questions

At the US-average residential rate of 16.5¢/kWh, a water softener drawing 70 watts for about 0.3 hours a day costs roughly $0.00 per day, $0.11 per month, and $1.26 per year. Your actual cost depends on your electricity rate and how much you use it, and the calculator on this page adjusts for both.

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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Water Softener?

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Cost to run a water softener by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions