Written by:
Our posts contain affiliate links. Sometimes, not always, we may make $$ when you make a purchase through these links. No Ads. Ever. Learn More
Table of Contents_
High-performance fans are an excellent option for heat relief during the summer. That said, you should know how much energy does a fan use if you plan to use it to help cool your home. Fans are an energy-efficient cooling option, so the electricity cost is only a few cents per hour.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Also, power consumption depends on the fan type you choose. So, to keep your energy costs under control, turn off the air conditioner and read on.
While a normal household fan doesn’t cool like an air conditioner, they offer excellent airflow output to circulate the air. Even variable speed fans like the Vornado 293 provide excellent energy efficiency compared to air conditioning units. Knowing the average ceiling fan electricity usage and how the size of fans plays a role in energy usage will help you budget for your energy bills.
Insider Tip
Energy Star recommends using only your fans at night to minimize the energy impact of your central air conditioner.
Ceiling fans are an excellent cooling option, thanks to the even distribution of air. The average ceiling fan uses between 55 and 100 watts of power, depending on the size of the blades. The smaller the fan blades, the less energy usage by the fan.
Whole-home fans span your entire house through a series of ducts, like a central air conditioner. This type of fan exhausts air from your attic and uses about 120 to 600 watts.
You install a window fan just like a window air conditioner, but they only move air in or out of your home. This fan type uses about 30 to 100 watts and offers a lightweight ventilation tool for a single room.
Most tower fans offer variable speed settings and utilize about 45 to 100 watts to run. This type of fan is usually easy to move, and some provide bladeless designs to keep families safe.
Warning
Even efficient air conditioners will cause your monthly cost of electricity to rise if simple maintenance tasks aren’t completed, like changing the air filter and semi-annual coil cleanings.
Smart fans use about 40 to 110 watts to run, but they provide energy-efficiency features to save on energy costs. For example, some smart fans use an automatic shut-off, and other models offer smart app connectivity for cooling schedules.
STAT: Energy Star’s ceiling fans with an energy label are 60% more energy efficient than standard light-fan combo units. (source)
References: