How much does it cost per year?

With 8 hours a day for 90 days a year it uses about 32 kWh a year: about $6 · £8 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.

Use a fan with the AC set to 27–28 °C instead of 24: same comfort, much lower consumption. Switch it off when you leave the room: it cools people, not the room.

🌬️ Fan

How much electricity does a fan use? vs air conditioning

Desk, pedestal, tower and ceiling fan power use, cost per day and comparison with air conditioning.

Typical power

45 W

Cost per hour

$0.008 · £0.012

Per year · 32 kWh

$6 · £8

With 8 hours a day for 90 days a year, electricity at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh all-in.

A fan uses 25–60 W: 8 hours a day all summer is about 30 kWh, a few euros. An inverter air conditioner uses ten to twenty times as much.

A fan doesn’t lower the temperature: it moves air and evaporates sweat, which feels 2–3 °C cooler. It’s often enough on warm but not scorching days.

Consumption compared

Type	Usage	kWh/year	Cost/year
Desk fan	30 W	22	$4 · £6
Pedestal fan	50 W	36	$6 · £9
Tower fan	45 W	32	$6 · £8
Ceiling fan, DC motor	25 W	18	$3 · £5
Inverter air conditioner, for comparison	700 W	504	$91 · £131

Yearly cost with 8 hours a day for 90 days a year.

Work out your cost

PowerWHours a dayhoursDays used per yeardaysElectricity price$/kWh

Per hour: $0.008
Per month: $0.49
Per year: $6
Energy per year: 32.4 kWh

The price is a typical all-in figure for your country: replace it with yours (bill total ÷ kWh).

How to use less

Use a fan with the AC set to 27–28 °C instead of 24: same comfort, much lower consumption.
Switch it off when you leave the room: it cools people, not the room.
DC motor fans use up to 70% less at low speed.

Lower-energy modelsCompare prices and energy labels on AmazonAmazon ↗

FAQ

How much electricity does a fan use?: About 45 W, or 0 kWh for each hour of use; from 5 to 100 W depending on the model.
How much does it cost per year?: With 8 hours a day for 90 days a year it uses about 32 kWh a year: about $6 · £8 at $0.18/kWh and £0.26/kWh.
How can I reduce it?: Use a fan with the AC set to 27–28 °C instead of 24: same comfort, much lower consumption. Switch it off when you leave the room: it cools people, not the room.

❄️GuideHow much does air conditioning cost to run?

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Consumption compared

How to use less

FAQ

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