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What does it REALLY cost to run my kiln?

Sometimes we would rather put our heads in the sand then face the reality of what it costs to run our kiln. Don't worry! Firing your kiln costs less than you’d imagine. Even though a kiln draws electricity, it does not draw it continually, so during a typical glass firing, a kiln's elements are drawing power only a fraction of the time. Most digital controllers allow you to enter your cost per kilowatt hour for electricity and they will report back the cost of the firing. 
Here’s one formula for calculating the cost of firing your kiln:
1 = Amps
2 = Volts
3 = Estimated Firing time in hours time x .75 (kiln is only on full power intermittently)
4 = Cost per kilowatt hr from your electric bill
1 x 2 x 3 x 4 = Firing Cost 1,000
A longer firing will increase the energy cost, it will not be a large increase because the kiln will not be on full power any longer and the .75 factor in “3” of the formula would be lower. The formula assumes a normal, even increase per hour. Here’s another way to calculate electric usage and costs:
Step 1: Determine the wattage of the kiln (Volts x Amps = Watts... ex. 120 volts x 15 Amps = 1800 Watts)
Step 2: Multiply wattage by 1000 (ex. 1800 Watts / 1000 = 1.8 KW)
Step 3: Multiply kilowatts (KW) by KW cost on your energy bill (ex. 1.8 KW x $0.15 = $0.27 per KWH  for each hour the kiln is on high and not cycling on and off)
Step 4: Multiply the answer you received above by .75 (ex. $.27 x .75 = $.20 per hour to run the kiln)
    We assume the kiln is cycling on and off during this firing so the actual amount of time the kiln is running a program is about 66% to 75% on. This is not much for a 120v small kiln, but can add up over a month of firing a 240v 45 amp kiln.
    So.... step one is to go get your electric bill and find out what you pay per Kilowatt Hour (KWH). Then, you can really know what it costs to run your kiln. 
    So... step two....include those costs in your cost of goods when you are selling your beautiful glass work!
    Finally.... step three...make a profit and have some fun!
    Your kiln gal - Gail
    Want to save on electricity bill? Here are some of our top 120V kilns:

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