Electric recliners are popular thanks to the high levels of comfort and convenience they offer users. But there’s often a concern about how much energy they consume.

In reality, there’s no need to be concerned as most electric recliners are designed to be energy efficient, using minimal power when in operation and almost none when they’re not being used. 

Let’s take a closer look at the various aspects that affect how much energy electric recliners and riser recliners use, so you can buy your new chair with your mind at ease.

Understanding Electric Recliners

Electric recliners are recliner chairs that have a built-in motor allowing users to adjust the chair’s position with ease. Either operated by a remote control or a button on the side of the chair, electric recliners or riser recliners allow users to quickly and easily recline in their chair, without the manual effort required in standard recliners. That means they’re particularly beneficial for people with mobility issues. 

Find out more in our riser recliner buying guide.

Components Affecting Power Usage

There are several parts of an electric recliner that contribute to the amount of electricity used:

  • The motor: Every electric recliner has a motor, and this is the primary component that consumes electricity. The amount of power used varied depending on the model of chair.
  • Remote control: Some recliners are operated by a remote control but this has minimal impact on electricity usage.
  • Additional features: Some chairs have extra features like a heated backrest, massage functions and USB charging ports, all of which can contribute to higher energy consumption.

Power Consumption Analysis

To determine if electric recliners use a lot of electricity, it's essential to analyse their power consumption in different scenarios.

Reclining Position and Power Usage

Electric recliners are designed to be energy efficient, but the amount of electricity used does vary depending on the position of the chair.

  • Upright: When it’s in an upright position, an electric recliner uses almost no electricity.
  • Reclining: When a user taps the button or presses the remote control to shift the chair’s position, there’s a temporary increase in power consumption as the chair adjusts to a reclining position. However, this process doesn’t last very long so energy usage is minimal.
  • Extended period: Once the position has been set, keeping the chair in a reclined position for a long period of time doesn’t consume any additional energy.

Comparative Power Consumption

Modern electric recliner chairs are built with energy efficiency in mind, which means that they use less energy than older models. They typically have more efficient motors that use less power than older chairs, and they may also have an energy saving mode which helps to save even more electricity when not in use.

Factors Influencing Electricity Bill

The actual amount of energy your electric chair uses depends on various factors, including:

  • Frequency of use: This plays a key role. If you don’t use your recliner very often, then it won’t have a big impact on your electricity bill. But if you use it often and frequently make adjustments between seated and reclined, then it can result in a higher energy bill.
  • Power source: Battery-operated models may have different energy usage compared to those that are plugged in directly

Monitoring your energy usage can help you to manage your electricity bills more effectively.

Considerations for Choosing an Electric Recliner

When selecting an electric recliner, consider factors that influence power consumption. You can find out more about how to choose the perfect recliner for you in our recliner chair buying guide.

Choosing Power-Efficient Models

When choosing an electric recliner, consider features like motor efficiency, standby power, and any additional functions (such as heating or massage) that impact energy consumption.

Questions to Ask Before Purchase

To help you better understand the energy requirements of an electric recliner, you could ask the following questions before making your decision:

  • What is the power requirement of the recliner?
  • Does the chair have energy-efficient certifications?
  • How does the chair's power usage compare to other models?
  • Does the recliner have an energy-saving mode?
  • How much power does the chair consume when in standby mode?

Electric recliners do not typically use a lot of electricity, especially when compared to other household electronic devices. However, there are various factors which affect how much electricity a recliner uses, including frequency of use, additional features. All of these can influence overall power consumption of your electric recliner. 

But by choosing energy-efficient models and being mindful of usage, consumers can enjoy the comfort of electric recliners without significantly impacting their electricity bills.

If you want to find the perfect chair for you, our Chair Fitting service is here to help. Our expert Comfort Specialists are trained to ensure that you choose a chair that fits you perfectly, with each point of the body supported to maximise comfort and overall wellbeing. 

When you visit one of our showrooms for our Chair Fitting service, a Comfort Specialist will:

  • Talk you through our Exclusive Chair Fitting Guide in detail, explaining the importance of each point of contact between the chair and the body.
  • Ask you for some information throughout the assessment to make sure the furniture is supporting you as it should.
  • Recommend the perfect chair to fit you, ensuring that it meets your needs.

And if you want to do it all from the comfort of your own home, we offer that too. Book a Home Demonstration and we’ll bring the chairs you’re interested in trying to you, offering friendly, expert advice with no pressure to buy.