How Much Does an Electric Iron Cost When Used for 2 Hours Per Day?

When considering the cost of using an electric iron, several factors come into play, including the iron's power rating, its usage duration, and the current rates for electricity. This article will delve into the specifics of an iron with a 1.2 kW power rating, exploring how much it would cost to operate for just 2 hours a day.

Understanding the Energy Consumption

An electric iron with a power rating of 1.2 kW operates as follows:

Energy Units per Day: To calculate the total energy consumed in a day, multiply the iron's power rating (1.2 kW) by the usage time (2 hours).

Total energy units per day 1.2 kW x 2 hours 2.4 kWh (kilowatt-hours)

Electricity Charges

Electricity units are typically charged according to the rate set by the local utility provider. Here, we use Rs. 7 as the charge per unit of electricity (1 kWh).

Charges per Day: Multiply the total energy consumed in kWh by the charge per unit to find the daily cost.

Charges per day 2.4 kWh x Rs. 7 Rs. 16.8

Alternative Calculations

Several methods can be used to calculate the daily cost of operating the iron.

1. Direct Calculation

Based on a simpler interpretation, if the iron consumes 1 kWh in 1 hour, then in 2 hours, it would consume 2 kWh. Given the rate of Rs. 7 per kWh:

Total cost 2 kWh x Rs. 7 Rs. 14

2. Considering Efficiency

In reality, the iron's operation may not be continuous. If the iron is left on for 2 hours but turned off for 30 minutes, the energy consumption is adjusted accordingly:

Effective hours of operation 2 hours - 0.5 hours 1.5 hours

Total energy consumed 1.2 kW x 1.5 hours 1.8 kWh

Charges 1.8 kWh x Rs. 7 Rs. 12.6

Factors to Consider for Actual Usage

Due to the nature of iron usage, several factors can affect the actual energy consumption:

1. Temperature Control

Modern irons often have a built-in temperature control mechanism. Once the iron reaches the desired temperature, it automatically switches to a lower power mode, significantly reducing energy consumption.

2. Steam Function

If the iron is used with a steam function, it may consume more energy than when used solely for ironing. Therefore, the energy consumption can differ based on usage patterns.

3. Iron Type and Design

Different models of irons have varying energy efficiencies. High-quality, energy-efficient models may consume less energy than older, less efficient models, even when operating for the same duration.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the cost of operating an electric iron with a 1.2 kW power rating for 2 hours a day depends on various factors, including actual usage patterns, iron efficiency, and the utility rate. Using a simple calculation, the daily cost is approximately Rs. 14, while more precise calculations might reduce this to around Rs. 12. However, it's important to consider the iron's operation mode and design for an accurate cost estimate.