How Much Does It Cost to Run an Oxygen Concentrator 24/7? Power Consumption for Common Models

Key Takeaways

• Stationary oxygen concentrators typically consume between 300–600 watts, costing approximately $30–60 per month when run 24/7 at average US electricity rates.

• Portable oxygen concentrators are more energy-efficient, using only 45–120 watts, which translates to significantly lower monthly operating costs.

• The flow rate setting directly impacts power usage; higher flow rates require more energy and increase your monthly costs.

• Regular maintenance, including filter cleaning and replacement, can optimize your concentrator's energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption.

• Main Clinic Supply offers energy-efficient and FDA-cleared portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) that can help manage your health needs while operating cost-effectively.

Oxygen Concentrator Power Requirements: What You Need to Know

Before calculating your specific costs, it's essential to understand how oxygen concentrators work and why they consume electricity. These concentrators separate oxygen from room air, delivering concentrated oxygen to patients who need supplemental oxygen therapy. This separation process requires energy, which is why your concentrator needs to be plugged in to function.

The primary power-consuming components include the compressor (which pressurizes air), molecular sieve beds (which separate nitrogen from oxygen), and electronic controls. Together, these systems continuously work to deliver medical-grade oxygen, typically at concentrations of 90–95%.

Wattage Ranges for Different Types of Concentrators

Power consumption varies significantly across oxygen concentrator models and manufacturers. Stationary concentrators designed for home use typically draw between 300–600 watts, with higher-capacity 10-liter models using up to 700 watts. Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) are considerably more energy-efficient, consuming between 40–120 watts depending on the flow setting and battery operation mode.

Most manufacturers list the power consumption specifications on the label, in the user manual, or on their websites. Look for terms like "power consumption," "power requirements," or simply "watts" to identify how much electricity your specific model uses.

The flow rate setting directly impacts power consumption. Higher flow rates (measured in liters per minute or LPM) require the compressor to work harder, increasing power draw. For example, a concentrator might use 350 watts at 2 LPM but increase to 450 watts when set to 5 LPM.

Stationary vs. Portable Models: Power Consumption Comparison

The power consumption difference between stationary and portable concentrators is substantial. Stationary units are designed to provide continuous, high-flow oxygen and consequently use more power, typically 4–10 times more than portable models. 

While a standard home stationary concentrator might use 300–600 watts, a comparable portable unit might draw only 60–90 watts at similar flow settings. This efficiency comes from advanced technology and smaller components, though portable models generally offer lower maximum flow rates. 

Calculate Your Monthly Electricity Costs in 4 Simple Steps

Understanding how these POCs impact your electric bill through simple calculations helps you plan your therapy budget with confidence.

Find Your Concentrator's Wattage Rating

The first step is identifying exactly how much power your specific concentrator model consumes. Look for this information on the back or bottom of your unit where the manufacturer label is located. You'll find the wattage listed along with other electrical specifications. If you can't locate it there, check your user manual or the manufacturer's website. 

Convert Watts to Kilowatt-Hours

Electricity companies bill in kilowatt-hours (kWh), not watts, so you'll need to convert your concentrator's power rating. Simply divide the wattage by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts. For example, a 400-watt concentrator uses 0.4 kilowatts. 

To calculate kilowatt-hours, multiply this number by the hours of operation. For example, if your concentrator runs 24 hours daily: 0.4 kW × 24 hours = 9.6 kWh per day and approximately 288 kWh per month (9.6 × 30 days).

Multiply by Your Local Electricity Rate

Electricity rates vary significantly depending on your location, utility provider, and even the time of year. Check your most recent electric bill to find your rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which typically ranges from $0.10 to $0.20 in the United States. 

Some regions have tiered pricing or time-of-use rates that charge different amounts based on when and how much electricity you use. Multiply your monthly kWh usage by your electricity rate to determine your monthly cost. Using our previous example with the US average rate of $0.13/kWh: 288 kWh × $0.13 = $37.44 per month.

Account for Daily Usage Hours

While many oxygen therapy patients require continuous 24/7 operation, some may use their concentrators intermittently. If you don't use your concentrator all day, adjust the calculation based on your actual hours of usage. For example, if you only use a 400-watt concentrator for 12 hours daily, your monthly consumption would be approximately 144 kWh (0.4 kW × 12 hours × 30 days), costing around $18.72 at the average rate.

Remember that your oxygen therapy needs should always come first; never compromise your health to save on electricity. If your doctor has prescribed continuous oxygen, follow that guidance regardless of energy costs.

3 Ways to Reduce Your Oxygen Concentrator Electric Bill

Oxygen therapy enables you to stay active and enjoy precious moments with loved ones. Simple strategies help you manage electricity costs effectively without compromising your health or daily activities.

1. Choose Energy-Efficient Models

If you're in the market for a new oxygen concentrator, compare power consumption specifications alongside other features. Energy-efficient models can save $10–15 monthly compared to less efficient alternatives. While efficient models might cost slightly more upfront, the electricity savings often offset this difference within the first year of ownership.

2. Optimize Flow Rate Settings

Most oxygen concentrators consume less electricity when operating at lower flow rates. Work with your doctor to determine the minimum flow rate that safely meets your medical needs. For example, reducing a 5-liter concentrator from maximum flow to 3 LPM could save 50–100 watts of power consumption, translating to $5–10 monthly.

3. Perform Regular Maintenance

A well-maintained concentrator operates more efficiently, consuming less electricity. Clean or replace the intake filters every 1–2 weeks as dust and debris force the compressor to work harder, increasing power consumption. Schedule professional maintenance every 1–3 years to check for internal leaks, verify oxygen purity, and tune the compressor. You can achieve 5–10% lower power consumption after thorough maintenance.

*Note: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Oxygen concentrators require a prescription and must be used under the oversight of a licensed medical professional. We encourage patients to research their options so they can have informed discussions with their provider.

Main Clinic Supply: Making Energy-Efficient Oxygen Therapy Accessible

At Main Clinic Supply, we understand that managing the ongoing costs of oxygen therapy matters to our patients. That's why we specialize in helping you select FDA-cleared energy-efficient oxygen concentrators that deliver your prescribed therapy without unnecessary power consumption. Our team's expertise ensures you receive equipment that balances medical effectiveness with long-term operating economy.

As both an Authorized Inogen Reseller and Authorized Inogen Service Center, we provide advantages that traditional suppliers cannot match. When equipment issues arise, you won't face weeks of waiting for factory repairs. We offer same-day repairs and overnight equipment replacements, ensuring your oxygen therapy continues uninterrupted. 

Our commitment to patient care is demonstrated through thousands of five-star reviews, our A+ Better Business Bureau rating, and our partnership with the Mayo Clinic. 

Our customers consistently praise our team's professionalism and how our solutions have improved their quality of life and independence.

We make modern, energy-efficient oxygen concentrators accessible through CareCredit financing, offering 6-month no-interest plans and 24–48 month fixed-rate options. Unlike DME rental arrangements where you never own the equipment, you will own your concentrators outright, whether new or certified pre-owned. This ownership provides better long-term value, replaces ongoing rental fees, and gives you complete control over your equipment.

With next-day shipping on most FDA-cleared systems to the U.S. and Canada, Main Clinic Supply ensures you receive energy-efficient, reliable oxygen therapy exactly when you need it.

Get your reliable oxygen concentrator today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Will running my oxygen concentrator 24/7 significantly increase my electric cost?

Continuous operation of a standard home oxygen concentrator adds approximately $25–50 monthly to your electricity cost, depending on your local rates and POCs specifications. 

A typical 5 LPM concentrator using 350 watts costs about $33 monthly at average U.S. electricity rates ($0.13/kWh). While this represents a noticeable increase, the cost is comparable to running a desktop computer or television continuously.

Do newer oxygen concentrator models really use less electricity than older ones?

Modern oxygen concentrators manufactured after 2015 typically consume 15–30% less electricity than units produced before 2010. 

Recent technological advances include more efficient compressors, optimized molecular sieve beds, and intelligent power management systems that adjust consumption based on actual operating conditions.

Can I reduce my oxygen concentrator's power consumption without affecting my therapy?

You can optimize energy efficiency through proper maintenance and correct usage without compromising your prescribed oxygen therapy. Clean or replace intake filters as recommended in your user manual (typically every 2 weeks to 1 month), as clogged filters force the compressor to work 10–15% harder, wasting electricity and accelerating wear. 

Ensure adequate ventilation around your unit by maintaining at least 6 inches of clearance on all sides. Always use your exact prescribed flow rate, never adjust settings without medical guidance, as higher-than-prescribed flows waste energy and may cause adverse effects. 

How does Main Clinic Supply help patients manage oxygen concentrator energy costs?

Main Clinic Supply specializes in matching patients with the most energy-efficient oxygen concentrators for their specific medical needs and usage patterns. As an Authorized Inogen Reseller and Service Center, we provide expert maintenance that keeps your equipment operating efficiently, preventing the 15–20% increase in power consumption that occurs with neglected units. 

Our CareCredit financing options with 6-month no-interest plans make energy-efficient modern models accessible, and our ownership model eliminates ongoing rental fees that often exceed the cost of electricity over time. Contact our team to discuss how we can help you maintain cost-effective, reliable oxygen therapy.

 

*Note: Pricing and product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.