At the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s 2025 average residential electricity price of 17.30¢ per kWh, running a PC continuously for a year would cost about $30.31 at a constant 20 W draw, $60.62 at 40 W, or $121.24 at 80 W. Those are energy-only estimates, not a prediction of your bill: use your own electricity rate, and treat the wattages as scenarios rather than measured YouTube-loop PC consumption.
Estimated electricity use and cost
The comparison assumes the PC draws the stated wattage at the wall, runs 24 hours a day for 365 days, and incurs no extra fixed charges. Energy use is calculated as watts divided by 1,000, multiplied by hours. The monthly figures are annual totals divided by 12.
| Assumed continuous draw | Energy per day | Energy per average month | Energy per year | Cost per day | Cost per average month | Cost per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 W | 0.48 kWh | 14.6 kWh | 175.2 kWh | About $0.08 | $2.53 | $30.31 |
| 40 W | 0.96 kWh | 29.2 kWh | 350.4 kWh | About $0.17 | $5.05 | $60.62 |
| 80 W | 1.92 kWh | 58.4 kWh | 700.8 kWh | About $0.33 | $10.10 | $121.24 |
The daily costs are rounded to the nearest cent. The annual and monthly estimates use $0.173 per kWh, the EIA’s 2025 U.S. average residential price; the EIA notes that the underlying price data are preliminary. EIA: Prices and factors affecting prices.
How to calculate the cost using your electricity rate
Watts measure power at a point in time; kilowatt-hours measure energy used over time. One kWh is one kilowatt used for one hour. EIA: Measuring electricity.
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- Convert watts to kilowatts: divide the assumed draw by 1,000. For example, 40 W is 0.04 kW.
- Calculate energy: multiply kilowatts by operating hours. At 40 W for 24 hours, 0.04 × 24 = 0.96 kWh per day.
- Multiply by your rate: use the per-kWh rate that applies to your electricity use. At 25¢/kWh, 20, 40, and 80 W running continuously for a year would cost $43.80, $87.60, and $175.20 in energy, respectively.
For a quick annual estimate, the usage figures are 175.2, 350.4, and 700.8 kWh at 20, 40, and 80 W. Multiply the relevant kWh figure by your rate in dollars per kWh. If your price changes by time of day, use the rates and hours that apply to each period rather than a single flat rate.
Why your bill may differ from the estimates
The EIA’s 2025 U.S. average residential price is a national reference, not an individual customer’s tariff. The EIA describes its average retail price as a weighted revenue-to-sales measure; it may not match the energy rate a particular utility charges. Regional prices also vary: the EIA reported 2025 state averages across all customer types ranging from 8.20¢/kWh in North Dakota to 35.72¢/kWh in Hawaii. Those state figures cover all customer types, not residential customers alone. EIA: Prices and factors affecting prices and EIA: Electric Power Annual with final 2024 data.
Rank #2
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- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
- Your utility’s applicable rate may differ from the national average.
- Time-of-use rates can make the cost depend on when the PC runs.
- Taxes, fixed charges, and billing rules may change the total bill. The comparison table covers energy only and does not predict those charges.
Are 20, 40, and 80 watts typical for a YouTube loop PC?
These figures are comparison scenarios, not verified measurements or claims about typical PCs. Actual wall draw depends on the entire setup and operating conditions, including the PC, any attached display, playback quality, and software settings. The available figures do not identify a particular computer or establish its consumption while playing a YouTube loop.
If precision matters, measure the complete setup at the outlet during representative playback. A plug-in electricity usage monitor can measure a device’s consumption; the EIA also explains that some advanced smart meters can track individual-device use. EIA: Measuring electricity.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
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