How much does energy cost per month for a grooming business?

This article was written by our expert who is surveying the industry and constantly updating the business plan for a pet grooming salon.

Who wrote this content?

The Dojo Business Team

A team of financial experts, consultants, and writers

We're a team of finance experts, consultants, market analysts, and specialized writers dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs launch their businesses. We help you avoid costly mistakes by providing detailed business plans, accurate market studies, and reliable financial forecasts to maximize your chances of success from day one—especially in the pet grooming salon market.

What square footage should I expect for my grooming salon space?

Most successful pet grooming salons operate in spaces between 1,000 and 1,500 square feet, though smaller operations can function effectively in 500 to 800 square feet.

The square footage directly impacts your energy costs because larger spaces require more heating, cooling, and lighting. A 1,200 square foot salon typically consumes 15-20% more energy than an 800 square foot space due to increased HVAC demands. Your space size also determines the number of grooming stations you can accommodate, which affects equipment energy consumption.

Consider that every additional 200 square feet adds approximately $50-75 to your monthly energy bill in moderate climate zones. Ceiling height also matters—spaces with 10+ foot ceilings require additional energy for proper air circulation and temperature control.

You'll find detailed market insights on optimal salon sizing in our pet grooming salon business plan, updated every quarter.

How many grooming stations and dryers will I need daily?

Small to medium grooming salons typically operate 2-4 grooming stations with 2-3 dryers to ensure backup equipment availability.

Each grooming station requires dedicated lighting (150-200 watts) and access to electrical outlets for clippers and small tools. The number of stations directly correlates with your energy consumption—each additional station adds roughly $30-50 monthly to your electricity bill through increased lighting and equipment usage.

Dryers represent your highest energy consumers at 2,800 watts each. Having 2-3 dryers means potential simultaneous usage of 5,600-8,400 watts during peak hours. Most salons run dryers 6-8 hours daily, consuming 400-600 kWh monthly just for drying equipment.

Plan for redundancy in your dryer setup—equipment failures are common, and backup units prevent service disruptions. This redundancy typically increases monthly energy costs by 15-25% compared to minimal equipment setups.

What HVAC system works best and how often does it run?

Advanced HVAC systems like Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) with individual zone controls and energy recovery ventilators provide optimal climate control for grooming salons.

Your HVAC system runs continuously during business hours (10-12 hours daily) to maintain proper temperature and air quality. Pet grooming creates humidity from bathing and requires constant air circulation to remove odors and hair particles.

Energy recovery ventilators reduce costs by capturing heat from exhaust air, potentially saving 20-30% on heating and cooling expenses. Zone controls allow you to adjust temperature in different areas, reducing energy waste in unused spaces.

What water heating system should I install and how much hot water do I need?

Commercial tankless electric water heaters rated 10,000-30,000 watts provide the most efficient hot water solution for grooming salons.

Daily hot water consumption ranges from 50-100 gallons when bathing 6-10 dogs per day. Tankless systems heat water on demand, eliminating standby energy losses that tank systems experience. A 20,000-watt tankless unit consumes approximately 300-500 kWh monthly, costing $40-200 depending on local electricity rates.

Tank water heaters waste energy maintaining temperature 24/7, even when not in use. Tankless systems reduce water heating costs by 30-50% compared to traditional tank heaters. Consider installing point-of-use heaters for wash stations located far from the main unit to reduce heat loss through pipes.

This is one of the strategies explained in our pet grooming salon business plan.

How many hours per day should I plan for equipment operation?

Most grooming salons operate 10-12 hours daily with peak demand periods at lunch (12-2 PM) and evenings (5-7 PM).

Equipment doesn't run continuously—dryers operate 6-8 hours during actual grooming, while HVAC systems run the full 10-12 hours. Clippers and small tools have intermittent usage totaling 4-6 hours daily. Water heaters activate on demand, typically running 2-3 hours cumulatively throughout the day.

Extended hours increase energy costs proportionally—each additional hour adds roughly $15-25 to daily energy expenses. Weekend operations often extend to 14-16 hours, increasing energy costs by 20-30% on those days.

Consider your appointment scheduling to optimize energy usage. Clustering appointments reduces the need to maintain full facility operations throughout extended periods.

What electricity rates should I expect in my location?

Commercial electricity rates vary significantly by state, ranging from 8.70¢/kWh in North Dakota to 40.32¢/kWh in Hawaii, with a U.S. average of 12.89¢/kWh.

Your local utility company determines rates based on regional energy costs, infrastructure, and regulatory environment. Commercial rates often include demand charges for peak usage periods, adding $50-200 monthly depending on your maximum power draw.

Time-of-use rates charge different amounts throughout the day—peak hours (typically 2-8 PM) cost 20-50% more than off-peak periods. Understanding your local rate structure helps optimize equipment scheduling to minimize costs.

Contact your utility provider for commercial rate schedules specific to your location. Many offer energy audits and efficiency rebates that can reduce initial equipment costs and ongoing energy expenses.

How much electricity does each piece of equipment consume monthly?

Equipment energy consumption varies based on power ratings, daily usage hours, and operational efficiency.

Dryers consume the most energy due to high wattage and extended daily usage. Two dryers operating simultaneously draw 5,600 watts—equivalent to running a small house's air conditioning system.

Water heaters show high consumption despite intermittent use because of their high power draw when activated. HVAC systems consume significant energy due to continuous operation rather than high instantaneous power draw.

How do seasonal changes affect my energy costs?

Seasonal variations create 15-30% fluctuations in monthly energy bills, with winter typically showing the highest costs.

Winter increases heating demands for both space conditioning and water heating, raising energy costs by 20-30%. Cold water entering your facility requires more energy to heat for bathing, while space heating works harder against outdoor temperatures.

Summer cooling costs increase energy bills by 15-25% in most regions. However, some northern climates experience lower summer bills due to reduced heating needs offsetting increased cooling costs.

Spring and fall represent your lowest energy cost months, providing opportunities to build cash reserves for peak season expenses. Plan your budget to accommodate these seasonal variations—winter bills can reach $700-1,200 monthly compared to spring/fall costs of $400-800.

We cover this exact topic in the pet grooming salon business plan.

What percentage of my energy bill goes to lighting and should I use LED bulbs?

Lighting typically accounts for 15-20% of your total energy bill, making it a significant cost reduction opportunity.

Traditional fluorescent lighting in a typical grooming salon consumes 1,200-1,800 watts continuously during operating hours. LED conversion reduces lighting consumption by 30-50%, saving $50-150 monthly on electricity costs.

LED bulbs provide better color rendering for accurate grooming work while generating less heat, reducing cooling costs. Initial LED installation costs $800-1,500 for a full salon but pays for itself within 12-18 months through energy savings.

Consider motion sensors for storage areas and restrooms to further reduce lighting costs. Dimmable LED systems allow you to adjust lighting levels based on natural light availability, providing additional savings.

Can off-peak pricing or time-of-use rates reduce my costs?

Time-of-use pricing can reduce energy costs by 10-15% when equipment operation is shifted to off-peak hours.

Off-peak rates typically apply during night hours (10 PM-6 AM) and sometimes mid-day periods, offering 20-40% lower electricity costs. Scheduling equipment like washers, dryers, and water heater maintenance during these periods reduces overall energy expenses.

However, most grooming equipment must operate during business hours when customers are present. Focus time-shifting efforts on preparatory tasks like cleaning equipment, heating water tanks, or pre-conditioning the facility temperature.

Some utilities offer demand response programs that pay businesses to reduce consumption during peak grid demand periods. Participating in these programs can provide additional monthly credits of $25-100.

What energy-efficient equipment upgrades should I consider?

ENERGY STAR certified equipment and high-efficiency alternatives can reduce energy consumption by 20-40% compared to standard models.

Calculate payback periods for each upgrade—most energy-efficient equipment pays for itself within 2-4 years through reduced operating costs. Utility rebates and tax incentives often reduce initial investment costs by 10-30%.

It's a key part of what we outline in the pet grooming salon business plan.

What are typical monthly energy costs and seasonal variations?

Monthly energy costs for grooming salons range from $500-1,000 in moderate-cost states to $1,500+ in high-cost regions like Hawaii and California.

Seasonal peaks occur in winter ($700-1,200 monthly) due to increased heating demands for both space conditioning and water heating. Summer costs range $600-950 monthly with air conditioning loads. Spring and fall represent the lowest cost periods at $400-800 monthly.

Track your energy usage monthly to identify patterns and budget accordingly. Highest consumption typically occurs in January and February, while lowest usage occurs in April, May, September, and October.

Geographic location significantly impacts costs—salons in Texas or the Southeast face high summer cooling costs, while northern regions experience peak winter heating expenses. Plan your cash flow to accommodate these predictable seasonal variations.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We accept no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

1. Groomer to Groomer - Building Your Own Business
2. Christies Direct - Essential Guide to Dryers
3. Easy Busy Pets - Starting a Dog Grooming Business
4. Blue Hat Mechanical - HVAC for Salons
5. Pick HVAC - Water Heater Power Consumption
6. Electric Choice - Electricity Prices by State
7. Salon Today - Salon Energy Costs
8. Local Business News - Dog Grooming Energy Costs