How Much Does it Cost to Run a Bounce House Blower?

Running a bounce house blower is a necessary part of keeping the inflatable inflated and safe for use. While it’s a relatively low-cost operation, the actual expense of running the blower depends on a few key factors, such as the size of the blower, how long it runs, and local electricity rates. At 3 Monkeys Inflatables, we know our customers often wonder how much energy it takes to keep the fun going, so we’ll break down the cost for you here.

In this article, we’ll explore the variables that influence the cost of running a bounce house blower and provide practical examples to help you estimate the cost for your event.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Running a Bounce House Blower

1. Blower Size and Power Consumption

Bounce house blowers come in various sizes, which determines how much power they consume. Blowers are usually rated in horsepower (HP), with common ratings between 1 HP and 2 HP for most commercial-grade units. The higher the HP, the more power the blower uses.

  • Smaller Blowers (1 HP): These typically use less energy and are more common for smaller inflatables.
  • Larger Blowers (1.5 to 2 HP): Larger bounce houses or inflatables that require more air pressure will need bigger blowers, which consume more energy.
2. Duration of Operation

The longer the blower runs, the more electricity it will use. Most events last between 4 to 8 hours, but some rentals may run for longer, which increases the total energy consumption.

3. Local Electricity Rates

Electricity rates vary by location. The average electricity cost in the U.S. is around $0.13 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), but rates can be higher or lower depending on your area.

To get a more accurate estimate of how much it will cost to run a bounce house blower at your event, you’ll need to factor in your local electricity rates.

Estimating the Cost to Run a Bounce House Blower

Here’s a simple breakdown to estimate the cost:

Step 1: Calculate Power Consumption

To calculate how much power a bounce house blower uses, you can convert the horsepower (HP) rating of the blower into kilowatts (kW), which is the standard unit for measuring electricity use.

  • 1 HP = 0.746 kW
  • For a 1.5 HP blower, the power consumption is:
    1.5 HP x 0.746 kW = 1.12 kW
Step 2: Multiply by Duration

Next, multiply the blower’s power consumption by the number of hours it will be running. If your event lasts 6 hours, then the blower will use:

  • 1.12 kW x 6 hours = 6.72 kWh
Step 3: Multiply by Electricity Cost

Finally, multiply the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) by your local electricity rate. Using the average U.S. rate of $0.13 per kWh, the cost to run the blower for 6 hours would be:

  • 6.72 kWh x $0.13 = $0.87

This means that for a 6-hour event with a 1.5 HP blower, it will cost you approximately $0.87 in electricity. Even for longer events or larger blowers, the cost is typically very low.

For more insights on bounce house energy usage, check out our article on Do Bounce Houses Use a Lot of Electricity?.

Is Running a Bounce House Blower Expensive?

Running a bounce house blower is one of the most cost-effective aspects of renting or owning a bounce house. For most events, the total electricity cost is less than a dollar, even for larger inflatables.

  • Low-Cost Operation: Despite running continuously during the event, bounce house blowers are relatively energy-efficient.
  • Environmentally Friendly: At 3 Monkeys Inflatables, we use high-quality, energy-efficient blowers that minimize power usage while ensuring the inflatable stays fully inflated and safe.

How to Keep Energy Costs Low

While running a bounce house blower is already inexpensive, here are a few tips to keep energy costs as low as possible:

1. Turn Off the Blower When Not in Use

If the bounce house won’t be used for an extended period, such as during breaks for food or cake, turn off the blower to save on electricity. Just make sure everyone has exited the bounce house before deflating it.

For more on when to turn off the blower, see our article on Can You Turn Off a Bounce House?.

2. Use the Right Size Blower for the Inflatable

Make sure the blower you’re using matches the size of the bounce house. Using an oversized blower for a small inflatable wastes energy, while an undersized blower may not properly inflate the bounce house and cause safety issues.

  • At 3 Monkeys Inflatables, we ensure every inflatable comes with the correct blower for optimal performance and efficiency.

Conclusion: Running a Bounce House Blower is Affordable

The cost of running a bounce house blower is minimal, especially when compared to other event expenses. For most events, you can expect to pay less than $1 in electricity costs, making inflatables not only a fun but also a cost-effective addition to your party or event. At 3 Monkeys Inflatables, we take pride in offering efficient, high-quality equipment that keeps energy costs low while maximizing fun.

If you have any questions about energy use or our rental options, feel free to contact us:

3 Monkeys Inflatables
Phone: (717) 650-7657
Email: info@3monkeysinflatables.com
Website: www.3monkeysinflatables.com

Related Articles

  • Do Bounce Houses Use a Lot of Electricity?
  • How to Safely Anchor a Bounce House
  • What Weather Conditions Make a Bounce House Unsafe?

By keeping energy costs in mind and using these tips, you can run your bounce house blower efficiently and affordably at your next event