How Much Does Energy Cost Per Month for a Dog Grooming Business in the UK?

When I first set up my grooming salon, I expected the usual expenses — rent, equipment, insurance — but I didn’t realise just how much of my overhead would come from energy bills. I found myself constantly asking: how much does energy cost per month for a dog grooming business?

The answer? It depends on your setup. Whether you’re working from home, renting a salon, or running a mobile van, your electricity and heating costs can vary dramatically. In this post, I’ll break down the actual numbers from my own grooming business and give you clear estimates to help plan your own.

Why Energy Costs Matter in a Dog Grooming Business?

Energy Is a Major Monthly Overhead

After rent and wages, energy costs are one of the biggest monthly expenses for any grooming business. Running multiple dryers, baths, heaters, and clippers throughout the day uses a surprising amount of power.

Grooming Equipment Relies Heavily on Power

Dog grooming isn’t just brushing and bathing — it involves:

• High-velocity dryers

• Heated hydro baths

• Electric grooming tables

• Sterilisers and laundry machines

And when you’re grooming multiple dogs a day, the usage adds up fast.

Why did I start Tracking My Energy Usage Closely?

When my bills spiked one winter, I finally started logging usage daily. I discovered my dryers alone were costing me over £60/month — and that was just one appliance. Tracking helped me cut waste and optimise my grooming schedule.

What Drives Energy Usage in a Dog Grooming Business?

Core Equipment That Consumes Power

Here’s what typically uses the most electricity:

• Dryers (1,800–2,200 watts)

• Clippers (10–15 watts each, but used constantly)

• Hydro baths (with built-in heaters)

• Electric grooming tables

• Washing machines & tumble dryers

Seasonal Energy Usage

In the winter, I use:

• Heaters to keep dogs warm pre- and post-wash

• Dehumidifiers to manage humidity

In summer, fans and air-con keep things cool, which also raises your energy use.

Lighting, Cleaning & Laundry

Bright lighting is crucial for visibility. I also run:

• A washing machine is used daily for towels

• Sanitisers and disinfectants that often need hot water

Average Monthly Energy Costs for Dog Grooming Businesses in the UK

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but I’ve found the most accurate breakdown depends on business type and setup.

Brick-and-Mortar Salon Costs

If you run a high street salon, expect:

• Electricity: £120 to £200/month

• Gas/Heating: £40 to £80/month

• Especially if you’re open 5–6 days a week and grooming multiple dogs daily

Mobile Dog Grooming Vans

I’ve spoken to mobile groomers using:

• Generators (petrol or diesel-powered)

• Battery packs or onboard power systems

Fuel or power costs typically land around £70 to £150/month, depending on the van and volume of clients.

My Actual Monthly Bills

I run a home-based salon from my converted garage:

• Electricity: £85/month average

• Gas (mostly heating): £30/month in winter, near zero in summer

Table – Estimated Monthly Energy Costs for Dog Grooming Setups

These are estimates based on UK averages (2024) and will vary based on region, equipment, and energy provider.

Factors That Affect Your Monthly Energy Bill

Number of Dogs Groomed Per Day

More dogs = more drying, cleaning, laundry, and bath usage. Grooming 6–8 dogs per day can nearly double your monthly power usage compared to 2–3.

Equipment Age and Efficiency

Modern dryers with energy-saving tech can cut costs by 20–30%. Older clippers and heaters are often less efficient and run hotter — costing you more in the long run.

Tariff Type – Fixed vs Variable

I was on a variable commercial tariff initially and saw bills spike during energy price surges. Switching to a fixed rate saved me around £25/month and gave me peace of mind.

Size and Insulation of the Space

A well-insulated room retains heat and reduces reliance on electric heating. If you’re grooming in a cold, open garage — you’ll pay more.

How to Reduce Energy Costs in Your Dog Grooming Business?

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Equipment

After replacing my old dryer with an eco-model, I saw a 15% drop in energy use. Look for:

• Low-wattage clippers

• Adjustable temperature dryers

• Heated baths with smart timers

Use Smart Timers and Thermostats

Set up your heaters and water systems to:

• Run only during appointments

• Switch off during breaks or gaps

• Automatically adjust based on room temperature

Switch Energy Suppliers Regularly

Business tariffs vary wildly. Every 12–18 months, I compare rates via:

• Uswitch for Business

• Love Energy Savings

• Bionic (great for salons)

Schedule Breaks Between Appointments

Spacing out appointments allows your equipment to cool and reduces strain. It also reduces back-to-back high consumption periods, especially with dryers.

Recap – What to Know About Energy Costs for Dog Grooming?

• Your business type directly affects energy spend

• Track usage to spot spikes and reduce waste

• Investing in efficient tools and smart heating pays off

• Switching tariffs and suppliers can save £100s annually

• Always budget for seasonal changes in demand

Final Thoughts – My Real Experience With Grooming Business Energy Bills

When I first launched, I underestimated how much my dryers and baths would impact my utility bills. But over time, I learned where to cut back, where to invest, and how to build my prices around actual overheads.

If you’re asking yourselfHoww much does energy cost per month for a dog grooming business? — The best answer is this: it’s manageable if you track, plan, and optimise. Get efficient early, and energy won’t eat up your profits.

FAQs – Energy Use in Dog Grooming Businesses

Which grooming tool uses the most electricity?

The high-velocity dryer. It runs at 1.8–2.5 kW and may be used for 15–30 minutes per dog.

Do mobile grooming vans cost more to run energy-wise?

Not necessarily — it depends on fuel efficiency and equipment. Generator fuel costs can rival fixed electricity bills.

Can I claim business energy costs on my taxes?

Yes. If you’re registered as a business, energy bills for your grooming operations are tax-deductible.

Are solar panels worth it for grooming salons?

If you own your premises, yes — especially if you operate full-time. It can significantly offset usage.

How do I estimate energy use before I launch?

Track expected hours of usage per tool, multiply by wattage, and apply your local kWh rate. Or just start with our table above.