How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan?
How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan?
$0.07 – $0.18 average cost per day
$2 – $5 average cost per month
$25 – $65 average cost per year
Cost to run a ceiling fan
The average cost to run a ceiling fan is $0.07 to $0.18 per day or $2 to $5 per month with 8 to 12 hours of daily usage. Pairing a ceiling fan with air conditioning can help lower utility bills by allowing higher thermostat settings while still keeping you cool and comfortable.
| Fan size | Average wattage | Cost per day (8 – 12 hours)* |
Cost per month* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (36 inches) | 55W | $0.05 – $0.13 | $1.58 – $3.96 |
| Medium (48 inches) | 75W | $0.07 – $0.18 | $2.16 – $5.40 |
| Large (52 inches) | 90W | $0.09 – $0.22 | $2.59 – $6.48 |
*Based on an electricity rate range of $0.12 to $0.20 per kWh
How much electricity does a ceiling fan use?
Ceiling fans use 0.6 kWh to 0.9 kWh per day in electricity and are an energy-efficient way to cool your home, typically costing less than 20 cents a day to run the fan all day long. Central air conditioning is a far more expensive cooling option, costing nearly 50 times more to run than a ceiling fan.
| Device | Average daily energy use* | Average electricity cost per day* |
|---|---|---|
| Ceiling fan (75W) | 0.6 kWh - 0.9 kWh | $0.07 – $0.18 |
| Portable fan (50W) | 0.4 kWh - 0.6 kWh | $0.05 – $0.12 |
| Window AC (900W) | 7.2 kWh - 10.8 kWh | $0.86 – $2.16 |
| Central AC (3500W) | 28 kWh - 42 kWh | $3.36 – $8.40 |
*Based on 8 to 12 hours usage @ $0.12 – $0.20 per kWh
Ceiling fans are most effective when used in conjunction with air conditioning. They circulate air, creating a wind-chill effect on your skin that makes you feel cooler, but they do not actually reduce the temperature in the room.
Factors that affect ceiling fan running costs
Factors that affect your ceiling fan running costs and energy savings include:
Fan size & wattage: Larger fans with higher wattage consume more energy but can cool larger spaces more effectively.
Fan efficiency: ENERGY STAR-certified fans are up to 60% more energy-efficient than conventional fans.
Running time: The longer the fan runs, the higher the cost. To save energy, always turn off ceiling fans when leaving a room.
Speed setting: Most ceiling fans have multiple speed settings. The higher the speed setting, the more energy the fan will use.
Electricity rates: The cost of electricity varies depending on your location and electricity provider. You can find your electricity rate on your monthly electricity bill.
Light fixture: If your ceiling fan includes a light fixture, the type and wattage of the bulbs used will add to the overall energy consumption and cost. Using LED bulbs can significantly reduce running costs.
While a new ceiling fan installation costs between $250 and $700, its energy-efficient cooling effect and year-round usefulness will have you saving money on utility bills in no time, often recouping the initial investment within a single season.
FAQs about the cost to run a ceiling fan
How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan all day?
Running a typical 75W ceiling fan for up to 12 hours costs about 7 to 18 cents per day, based on an average electricity rate $0.12 to $0.20 per kWh.
Are there ways to reduce the cost of running a ceiling fan?
While ceiling fans are already very energy-efficient, there are ways to reduce the cost of running them, including:
Run fans only when rooms are occupied since fans cool people, not spaces.
Clean and maintain fans regularly for optimal performance.
Use lower speed settings when possible.
Install energy-efficient models for better energy savings.
Is it cheaper to run a ceiling fan or lower the thermostat on my AC?
Running a ceiling fan is significantly cheaper compared to lowering the thermostat on your air conditioner. Ceiling fans use much less electricity than air conditioners. On average, ceiling fans cost around just 1 cent per hour to run, while an air conditioner can cost as much as 60 cents per hour.
Who can install a ceiling fan?
If this guide has you excited to install a ceiling fan and start saving money on your cooling bills, check out our list of qualified ceiling fan installers near you.
In summer, run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze, while in winter, reverse them to a clockwise rotation to circulate warm air downward, enhancing comfort year-round.
Energy-saving tips for cooling your home
Ceiling fans are an excellent way to stay cool and reduce your utility bills by allowing you to set your thermostat higher while maintaining comfort. Follow these and other home energy cost-saving strategies to keep your utility bills in check while keeping your home cool and comfortable:
Use ceiling or portable fans to create a wind chill effect on your skin that helps you feel cooler.
Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature but avoid setting it colder than necessary. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling costs will be.
Maintain your air conditioning system regularly. Replace or clean air filters seasonally, clear vegetation around outdoor units, and schedule professional maintenance annually.
Use window coverings strategically to keep out heat. Install thermal curtains, shades, or blinds and keep them closed during the day, especially on windows facing west and south.
Seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent warm air from entering your home. The cost of a home energy audit is worth it to identify problem areas and is eligible for the federal Home Energy Audit Tax Credit.
Ensure proper insulation, especially in walls and attics. This helps prevent heat from seeping into your house and forcing your AC to work harder.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you're away or sleeping.
Avoid placing heat-generating appliances like lamps or TVs near your thermostat, as they can cause the AC to run longer than necessary.
Take advantage of natural ventilation by opening windows at night when it's cooler and closing them during the day.
Consider installing energy-efficient windows or applying window films to reduce heat gain.
Check out our guide to learn about more ways to lower your electric bill.
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.