How to Prevent an Oxygen Machine From Using So Much Electricity

Every appliance you have plugged into your wall draws energy, which means it costs money to run. Home oxygen machines, known as oxygen concentrators, pull 250 watts of electricity when in use, or a little less than your average TV. There are ways to prevent the oxygen machine from using so much electricity, although most of them depend on your doctor's orders and your underlying medical condition. If you use oxygen 24 hours a day, the average monthly operating cost for your machine will run about $12.60.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your oxygen use. Some people, such as those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, may only need oxygen at nighttime. If you can decrease the amount of hours you use the oxygen, you will decrease your monthly bill.

• 2

  Ask your doctor or social worker about financial aid options to supplement your oxygen. Call your insurance company, as rules on oxygen coverage vary by company or organization. You may be paying for a service that your insurance can help finance.

• 3

  Unplug the concentrator when you don't use it. Although it is minimal, every item plugged into your wall continues to draw amps of electricity even when not turned on.

• 4

  Consider using a portable, battery-powered unit throughout the day. These units run off internal batteries and will not draw from your home source of electricity.

• 5

  Ask your doctor about pulse oximetry and oxygen supplementation. Oxygen is classified as a drug; you need a prescription to have it and parameters to use it. Pulse oximetry is a measurement of your blood oxygen content. Readings less than 90 percent are considered low. If you can tailor your oxygen use to your pulse oximetry readings, you may not require 24-hour use.