Lava lamps are aesthetically pleasing fixtures and can be a beautiful addition to any living space once set up.
While this is true, you will have to account for the amount of electricity a lava lamp uses. You may even wonder, do lava lamps use a lot of electricity?
Lava lamps do not use a lot of electricity. The average lava lamp has a 40w bulb. A bulb this size will cost 12 cents per 6-7 hours of use. This means lava lamps don’t require a lot of electricity to remain functional.
It’s important to note, lava lamps come in different sizes.
This means it’s possible you could buy a large lava lamp that has a 100w bulb. Even then, it is not going to cost you more than 30 cents to run per 6-7 hours of use.
This shows running a lava lamp is not costly especially if it is run in short bursts.
This article will dive deeper into how a lava lamp works and how much electricity a lava lamp uses.
Table of Contents
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What Happens if You Don’t Turn Off Lava Lamp?
If you don’t turn off a lava lamp, it will begin to overheat. This occurs after 8-10 hours of use. As a result, it’s recommended to turn off the lava lamp before the 10-hour mark to conserve electricity and ensure it doesn’t heat up.
For the most part, the lava lamp is not going to break down if it does run past the 10-hour mark.
However, the average user will want to ensure their lava lamp lasts for a long time. If you continually run it throughout the day without breaks, it will begin to overheat and break down.
In some cases, the lava lamp wax also begins to clump up inside.
Due to this, it’s important to stay careful and use your lava lamp wisely.
How Many Watts Does A Lava Lamp Use Per Hour?
The average lava lamp uses 40 watts per hour. In some cases, a larger lava lamp will use up to 100 watts per hour. This depends on the size of the bulb inside the lava lamp.
Along with this, the average lava lamp is used for 6-7 hours at a time.
This means a person will end up using 280 watts per use.
If you want to conserve energy, it’s always recommended to choose a smaller lava lamp. You will get the benefits of a lava lamp without wasting energy.
It’s a win-win.
Are Lava Lamps Safe to Leave On Overnight?
Lava lamps are not safe to leave on overnight. The reason has to do with overheating. This can damage the lava lamp and cause the bulb to burn out. While most lava lamps come with safety mechanisms, it’s still recommended to be careful and use the lamp in 8-10 hour spurts.
Giving the lava lamp time to rest is important.
How long should a lava lamp be turned off to cool down?
It’s recommended to turn off the lava lamp for at least 2-3 hours before starting it again. This allows the internal and external components to cool down.
If you continue to run it through the day, the lava lamp will begin to overheat.
How Many Years Do Lava Lamps Last?
The average lava lamp tends to last 2000 hours. While lava lamps don’t come with a specific expiration date, it’s still recommended to focus on the 2000-hour mark when it comes to the lifespan of a lava lamp. This means it will last 2-3 years before needing to be changed assuming it’s used regularly.
If you take the time to preserve it and go through the regular maintenance requirements, it can last a little bit longer.
It’s always best to try using the lava lamp patiently. This includes finding the best light bulbs for the fixture.
Final Thoughts
Do lava lamps use a lot of electricity?
Lava lamps don’t use a lot of electricity. The average lava lamp works with a 40-watt bulb. Assuming the lava lamp is used for 7 hours per session, this will cost a person approximately 12 cents to run.
Larger lava lamps come with 100-watt bulbs but even they don’t cost a lot.
As long as you are conservative with your usage, it will not be a huge drain on your electrical circuit. It’s important to make sure the lava lamp is in working condition to ensure it’s optimized as it needs to be.
This is how you end up using electricity the right way.
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