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How much does it cost to run a cable box? ($0.92/mo)
Running a cable box costs about $0.92 / month
($0.03/day at 6 h/day, $0.17/kWh).
($0.03/day at 6 h/day, $0.17/kWh).
Running cost calculator
Per hour—
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Energy/mo—
A cable box or DVR is a sneaky energy user because it draws nearly as much power switched off as on, to stay ready to record.
Cost at different electricity rates
| Electricity rate | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10/kWh | $0.02 | $0.54 | $6.57 |
| $0.15/kWh | $0.03 | $0.81 | $9.86 |
| $0.20/kWh | $0.04 | $1.08 | $13.14 |
| $0.25/kWh | $0.05 | $1.35 | $16.43 |
| $0.30/kWh | $0.05 | $1.62 | $19.71 |
| $0.40/kWh | $0.07 | $2.16 | $26.28 |
Cost over time
| Per hour of use | $0.01 |
| Per day (6 h) | $0.03 |
| Per month | $0.92 |
| Per year | $11.17 |
How to spend less
- Run it fewer hours or on an eco / lower setting.
- Upgrade to a more efficient model (check the energy label).
- Use a smart plug or timer to kill standby and idle draw.
Want the raw figure? See how many watts a cable box uses.
FAQ
How many watts does a cable box use?
About 15-45 watts - and many keep drawing 20+ watts even when off.
Can I cut cable box standby power?
Put it on a switched outlet, but check it does not miss scheduled recordings.
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