Is a septic aerator expensive to run?

Don't switch it off to save money: the bacteria die without air, and the repair costs years of pump electricity. At typical use it adds about $9.62 to a monthly electric bill at the US-average rate, but that swings from $6.72 in the cheapest states to $25.03 in the most expensive.

How many watts does a septic aerator use?

Septic Aerator typically draws about 80 running watts. Because it has a motor or compressor, it briefly spikes to around 120 watts at startup, which matters for generator and breaker sizing but not for energy cost. Check the nameplate or label on your specific unit for its exact rating.

How much electricity (kWh) does a septic aerator use?

At typical use (80 W for 24 hours a day), a septic aerator uses about 1.9 kWh per day — roughly 58 kWh per month, or about 7% 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 septic aerator?

Don't switch it off to save money: the bacteria die without air, and the repair costs years of pump electricity. 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 Septic Aerator?

An aerobic septic system's air pump runs 24/7 by design — a small but permanent line on the bill. At the US-average rate of 16.5¢/kWh, running a septic aerator costs about $9.62/month ($115.49/year) at typical use. Adjust the watts, hours, and your rate below for your exact number.

Power (watts)

Hours per day: 24

Days per week: 7

Your state (sets the rate)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Cost to run a septic aerator

$115/yr

Per day: $0.32
Per month: $9.62
Energy per year: 701 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 septic aerator use?

At 80 W for 24 hours a day, a septic aerator uses about 1.9 kWh per day — roughly 58 kWh per month and 701 kWh per year. That's about 7% 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 septic aerator draws.

Cost to run a septic aerator by electricity rate

Same 80 W appliance, 24 h/day — the bill changes with where you live.

Scenario	Rate	Per month	Per year
Cheapest states (North Dakota)	11.5¢	$6.72	$80.66
US average	16.5¢	$9.62	$115.49
Most expensive (Hawaii)	42.9¢	$25.03	$300.36

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 septic aerator drawing 80 watts for about 24 hours a day costs roughly $0.32 per day, $9.62 per month, and $115.49 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.

Ask AI about this

Open an AI assistant with a question grounded in this page.

ChatGPT Claude Perplexity Google AI Grok

Electricity cost calculator Estimate your whole bill All appliances

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Septic Aerator?

How much electricity does a septic aerator use?

Cost to run a septic aerator by electricity rate

Frequently asked questions