Ask an Engineer: Vending machine energy costs

Vending

What is the annual energy cost for a cold-drink vending machine?

A standard cold-drink vending machine costs about $320 a year to operate.

How did we get this figure? A vending machine uses about 2,900 kilowatt-hours (kWh) a year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. At 11 cents per kWh (the current national average rate), the annual energy cost is about $320. The cost to operate individual units can vary depending on electric rates and other factors.

There are measures you can take to reduce vending machine energy use, including the following:

  • Install occupancy sensors to shut off the compressor and front-panel lights when no one is present.
  • Remove display lighting or replace standard fluorescent lamps in the front panel with energy-efficient LED bulbs.
  • Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR certified vending machine; they are 40% more efficient than standard units.