The world is hotting up and even colder countries are starting to use electric fans to stay cool. A top question we get frequently is about the running cost of electric fans. To answer this in short, an average electric fan will cost about $0.10 to run every day. This translates to about $0.70 in a week, $3 every month and about $36 every week.
As a quick comparison to other methods of cooling down your space, an air conditioner will cost atleast 6 times as much as an electric fan. The cost of running an air conditioner can be between $18 every month to over $200 a month depending on the size of the air conditioner. An electric fan costs a fraction of what an equivalent air conditioner will cost in terms of electricity and running costs.
Knowing this information, I think it should be quite clear that using electric fans is a convenient and inexpensive way to cool down your room. Electric fans are also a very cost effective solution for cooling especially compared to air conditioning.
Now lets look at different factors you should consider before selecting an electric fan for your home
Power consumption of electric fans
The main variable that determines the power consumption of electric fans is the wattage of the fan. Wattage refers to the amount of electricity consumed by any electrical device. Most electric fans will have a wattage between 20 – 100 Watts. This means that the fan will consume between 20 – 100 Watts of power for every hour that it is in operation
From wattage, the calculation to determine electricity running costs is a simple one. The cost of electricity is measured in terms of kilowatt hours. A kilo watt hour or a unit of electricty is consumed when a 1000 Watt appliance runs for an hour.
A 100 Watt electrical device by contrast will consume 0.1 units of electricity for every hour of operation.
The next thing to find out is the cost of each unit of electricity. Within the United States, the average cost of residential electricity is about $0.13. Therefore, running a 100 Watt electric fan for an hour will cost you just over 1.3 cents or $0.013.
Wattage of Electric Fans
Most fans will be well under 100 Watts when operating at their highest speed. A powerful tower fan operating at full speed has a wattage of about 60 Watts.
Most manufacturers will mention the wattage of their electric fan in the product specifications. When you purchase an electric fan, make sure to check this to have an idea of how much the fan will cost you in terms of electricity costs.
Types of Electric Fans and their Efficiency
Depending on your specific requirement, you might need a particular type of electric fan. Lets look at the most common ones and talk about their efficiency and effectiveness.
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are used in a very large portion of the world, especially in Asia. They are cheap, do not take up any space and are very energy efficient. In some countries, you can get ceiling fans with lights and decorations as well.
The only con of a ceiling fan is that they might not be useful for a large part of the year if you live in a climate where they are not needed for the colder months. They can also be difficult to clean since you will need something to reach them.
Pedestal Fans
Pedestal fans are probably the next most popular kind of electric fan. These fans can move a lot of air and are a great choice for occasional use in the hot months. Their advantage is that they can cover a large area and move a lot of air. They are also relatively inexpensive to purchase and run and can be stored away when not needed.
The only disadvantage of pedestal fans is that they can be noisy in operation and the blades can get dirty over time.
Tower Fans
Tower fans are closely related to pedestal fans. Tower fans have a lower footprint than pedestal fans however and this makes them better suited for smaller spaces.
Tower fans also run more quietly as compared to pedestal fans. The disadvantage of tower fans however is that they are not able to move as much air as pedestal fans and are therefore not suited for really hot summers.
Table/Floor Fans
Table or floor fans are the smallest in terms of overall size. Consequently, table fans also move the least amount of air among all electric fan categories.
They are cheaper but may not be as energy efficient as larger fans.
Floor fans on the other hand can be large and powerful. Directly placed on the ground they provide air at a different angle and can be used in working areas like kitchens where air at a higher level may make working difficult.
Factors affecting Energy Consumption of Electric Fans
There are a few different factors to consider when thinking about the electricity consumption of electric fans. Lets look at some of them.
Fan Speed
Most electric fans have different speed levels available and in general higher speed equates to higher electricity consumption. So a good rule of thumb is to set the electric fan to the speed that you require knowing that you are avoiding unnecessary electricity costs by doing so.
Duration of Usage
Every hour of usage costs about $0.10 in electricity costs when it comes to electric fans. So the old adage does hold true, switch off your electrical appliances when they are not in use.
Temperature, Humidity and Ventilation
Ambient temperature, humidity and room ventilation all play big parts when it comes to the effectiveness of electric fans.
If the ambient temperature is really high, an electric fan will essentially be pushing around hot air. This will not provide you with any comfort and you will need to think of alternative ways of cooling yourself in conditions with high ambient temperature.
Similarly, if the ambient humidity is very high, the body cannot cool down easily as sweat from the body cannot be absorbed into the ambient air. In conditions of extremely high temperatures combined with high humidity, electric fans can have a difficult time in cooling you down.
Finally, well ventilated rooms can be more easily cooled by electric fans. In poorly ventilated spaces, the fan has to work harder to create a cooling breeze.
Electric Fans and the Energy Star Certification
If you haven’t yet heard about it, the Energy Star certification is a program by the US government that certifies various appliances as being energy efficient. A good way to pick out an electric fan that is energy efficient is to head over to the Energy Star Website for Fans and to check out the certified products there.
Electric Fans vs Air Conditioning and Evaporative Cooling
The two most common modes of cooling for comparison with electric fans are air conditioning and evaporative coolers.
Air conditioners are well known around the world and are probably the most effective of cooling spaces currently available. However, air conditioning is extremely energy intensive and an air conditioner can cost more than 10 times as much as an electric fan. Unless you live in some of the hottest areas of the world, it is always recommended to go for an electric fan over an air conditioner especially if running costs are one of your considerations.
Evaporative coolers work by evaporating water and circulating the water laden air through the space. This air is cooler and after a while the whole room cools down. They work faster than an electric fan and can have more longer lasting cooling in your room. Evaporative coolers can cost slightly more than electric fans when it comes to running cost. However, they are still much cheaper as compared to air conditioning.
Evaporative coolers are very effective in dry climates where the humidity is low. However in areas with high humidity, their effectiveness is lowered since the air is already saturated with moisture.
Electric Fans – Cost Saving Tips and Maintenance
Lets look at some ways in which you can save costs on the running of your electic fans and also some ways in which you can maintain your electric fans and keep them in top running shape.
Electric Fans – Cost Saving Tips
- Fan speed: Use the right fan speed depending on ambient temperature to ensure you are not wasting unnecessary energy
- Energy saving features: Look for fans that have the Energy star certification. In addition, try to get fans that have multiple speed settings, auto shut off or other energy saving features
- Use timers: If you are using fans for long periods of time, look into fans that have auto shut-off timers
- Combine fans with natural ventilation: Use fans in conjunction with natural breeze from opening windows to achieve faster cooling
- Use fans with air conditioning: If you need to use air conditioning, a good fan can spread the cool air from your air con faster into different parts of the room
Electric Fans – Maintenance Tips
- Cleaning: Make sure to clean the blades of the fan if they have dust accumulated on them. Clean blades are more energy efficient
- Loose Screws: Make sure all the screws on the fan are kept optimally tightened to prevent unnecessary vibrations
- Blade Balancing: Check to ensure the blades are balanced and not wobbly. This can consume additional energy
- Inspect the plug and cord: Inspeact the power cord and plug regularly to ensure they are not damaged
Electric Fans – Environmental Impact and Sustainable Choices
If you are considering buying an electric fan, it is a good idea to consider the environmental impact of doing so and also to think about making sustainable choices. Here are some tips on this
- Carbon Footprint: In general, electric fans have a much lower carbon footprint as compared to air conditioning so they are a great choice for the enviroment
- Multi-functional fans: If you live in a climate with hot summers and cold winters, consider getting a multi functional fan that can provide both heating and cooling
- Heat management: In addition to using fans, consider other ways to limit your rooms from being heated up. Shades on windows, reflective window treatments to block sunlight are some ideas to reduce the need for cooling solutions
Frequently asked questions about running costs of Electric Fans
What is the primary factor that affects the running cost of a fan
The power consumption of a fan which is measured in Watts is the main factor affecting the running cost of a fan. The higher the wattage, the more electricity the fan will consume and therefore the higher the running cost.
How can I know the energy efficiency of an electric fan?
Look for certifications like Energy Star to check if the electric fan is energy efficient. These are usually displayed on the product packaging or product information sheet. These ratings indicate how energy efficient the fan is in comparison to other models.
Does the type of electric fan impact its running cost?
Yes, the type of electric fan does have an impact on its running cost. Pedestal fans, tower fans, ceiling fans, floor mounted fans, multi-function fans all have different energy consumption ratings. Choosing the right type for your specific need can help in reduce running costs.
Can using an electric fan for extended periods lead to high energy bills?
As with any electric appliance, running an electric fan for extended periods can contribute to high energy bills. This is especially true if the fan is not energy efficient or if it is running at its higest speed continuously. However, compared to air conditioning, electric fans cost a fraction of the amount in terms of running costs.
Are smart fans more energy-efficient than traditional electric fans?
Smart fans have features like timers, auto shut-off and remote controls. This can make them more energy efficient by helping to customize their usage which can lead to lower energy consumption and therefore lower running costs.
Can I use an electric fan together with an air conditioner to save on energy costs?
Yes, you can definitely use an electric fan along with air conditioning. You can use an electric fan to spread the cool air produced by the air conditioner throughout your room. This can allow you to set your air conditioner at a higher temperature and save a considerable amount of money in electricity costs.
Are there any maintenance tips to improve the energy efficiency of an electric fan?
Keeping the blades of your electric fan clean, making sure the fan is balanced and does not have any unnecessary vibrations are some of the simple maintenance tips for an electric fan that can help in keeping it running smoothly.
Is it more cost-effective to use an electric fan instead of an air conditioner?
Yes, in almost all cases, it is more cost effective to use an electric fan as compared to an air conditioner. An electric fan costs a fraction of what an air conditioner will cost in terms of electricity costs.
How does running multiple fans in a room impact energy consumption?
Running multiple fans in a room can increase energy consumption. It’s essential to strike a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. If possible, use one energy-efficient fan strategically placed for maximum airflow.
Can using an electric fan be environmentally friendly?
Yes, using an electric fan is generally more environmentally friendly compared to air conditioners and other cooling systems that emit greenhouse gases. Choosing an energy-efficient fan and practicing energy-conscious habits further supports sustainability.