How much does it cost to run a fluorescent tube? ($1.31/mo)
Running a fluorescent tube costs about $1.31 / month
($0.04/day at 8 h/day, $0.17/kWh).
($0.04/day at 8 h/day, $0.17/kWh).
Running cost calculator
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A fluorescent tube is common in garages and offices; it is efficient but LED tube replacements now cut the draw further.
Cost at different electricity rates
| Electricity rate | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0.10/kWh | $0.03 | $0.77 | $9.34 |
| $0.15/kWh | $0.04 | $1.15 | $14.02 |
| $0.20/kWh | $0.05 | $1.54 | $18.69 |
| $0.25/kWh | $0.06 | $1.92 | $23.36 |
| $0.30/kWh | $0.08 | $2.30 | $28.03 |
| $0.40/kWh | $0.10 | $3.07 | $37.38 |
Cost over time
| Per hour of use | $0.01 |
| Per day (8 h) | $0.04 |
| Per month | $1.31 |
| Per year | $15.88 |
How to spend less running a fluorescent tube
- Cut the hours: A fluorescent tube at 8 h/day runs about $1.31/month — trimming one hour saves roughly $0.16/month.
- Lower the setting: running a fluorescent tube on a lower or eco setting drops the wattage directly.
- Upgrade efficiency: a newer fluorescent tube near 18 W uses far less than an old 40 W one.
Want the raw figure? See how many watts a fluorescent tube uses.
FAQ
How many watts does a fluorescent tube use?
A typical 4-foot tube uses about 18-40 watts plus a little for the ballast.
Can I replace tubes with LED?
Yes - LED tubes use less power and turn on instantly without flicker.