Are Pet Fountains Energy-Efficient? Everything Pet Owners Should Know
Introduction
The use of pet fountains is becoming an essential part of most households to keep water fresh, filtered, and in motion. Cats and dogs are usually attracted to flowing water as compared to still water in a bowl, which makes them drink more and remain healthy. However, when these devices are on 24/7, the question that most pet owners ask is, Are pet fountains energy efficient?
The quick response is yes, most of the modern fountains consume very little electricity. However, to see why, it would be worth examining more closely how they operate, how expensive they are to operate and how to ensure that you select one that is not energy-wasting.
What is the Power Consumption of a Pet Fountain?
pet water fountain with low power consumption
Pet fountains are very effective. The majority of the models use a minimal amount of electricity, between 2 and 5 watts. When you operate your fountain continuously, the cost of energy is typically only a few dollars annually.
| Appliance | Average Power Consumption (Watts) |
| Cat Water Fountain | 1-5 W |
| LED Light Bulb | 5-10 W |
| Phone Charger | 5W |
| Microwave | 600-1200 W |
According to the table, the nominal power consumption of cat water fountains is low. The cat water fountain is powered by a continuous flow of energy, which means that there are negligible costs associated with electricity.
What Influences the Energy Consumption of a Fountain?
Pet fountains do not consume a lot of power, but some aspects can raise the energy consumption. A bigger fountain that can be used by more than one pet can have a more powerful pump. When the water filter is clogged, the pump has to consume more electricity to work harder.
The material can even contribute to this; stainless steel and ceramic fountains may need more powerful pumps than plastic ones.
The way you use the fountain is important. Leaving it on 24 hours a day will consume more power than switching it off at night. Nevertheless, due to very low wattage, most owners prefer to leave it on at all times so that their pets can always have access to fresh water.
To learn how to maintain your fountain in great condition, read How to Clean a Pet Water Fountain. A clean pump is more efficient and has a longer life.
Fountain vs Bowl: Is it worth the price?
A regular water bowl does not consume any electricity at all, so it is cheaper. This is also true in terms of power consumption, but bowls need to be refilled regularly and can get dirty easily. Fountains, however, continuously filter and recirculate water, which makes it taste fresher and prompts pets to drink more.
In Are Pet Fountains Better Than Bowls?, we discussed how the enhanced hydration advantages can result in fewer trips to the vet due to urinary tract or kidney problems.
Selecting an Energy-Saving Fountain
While buying a pet fountain, see a model with a low-wattage pump, ideally less than five watts. It should be proportional to your household; you do not need a large-capacity unit when you have only one pet. There are even models with smart functions such as automatic shut-off when there is not enough water to avoid wastage of electricity.
wopet pet water fountain
A good example of energy efficiency and design is the WOpet Pet Water Fountain. It is very silent, consumes very little power and is simple to maintain.
What to Do to Make Energy Costs Even Lower
You can save more energy on your fountain with a low-power pump. Regular cleaning of the fountain will help in the free flow of water, and this will lessen the burden on the motor. It is best to keep it in a shady, cool place to keep the water fresh without additional circulation.
The kind of water you use is also a factor. Mineral deposits may occur as a result of hard water, which makes the pump work harder.
Final Thoughts
Yes, pet fountains are energy-saving. The majority of models are less than a few dollars a year to operate, and the value they add to the health of your pet makes them a wise investment. By selecting a low-wattage model with good design, such as the WOpet Pet Water Fountain, you can have access to fresh, flowing water.
