How Much Electricity (Power) Does A Fan Use?
Fans are electrical devices that we use almost every day. They provide comfort by circulating air around our homes and offices. Yet, we often overlook how much electricity they consume daily. Understanding a fan’s power consumption can help us to manage energy even more. In this article, we’ll discuss how much power a fan uses. So, let’s start!
How Much Electricity Does A Fan Use? A fan’s electricity usage depends on its wattage, which typically ranges from 10W to 100W, and the price of electricity (kWh). On average, running a fan costs between $0.0023 to $0.0232 per hour. If a 100W fan is used continuously for a day, it will cost us about $0.55 of electricity per day.
Now that we’ve seen roughly how much these devices consume, we can better understand them. In the following, we will review a couple of examples and see what needs to be considered when calculating the fan’s electricity.
First, we’re going to discuss the wattage a fan requires. Using this information, we’ll determine how much electricity a fan utilizes in an hour, day, week, or even month.
Note! As of July 2023, the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is about 23 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) according to EnergySage.
Here is an Example: A typical 30W fan consumes 0.03 kWh of electricity every hour. If we use an average electricity rate of $0.23/kWh, the cost is less than two cents per hour. If the 30W fan runs for a full day (24 hours), it would cost around $0.17.
For those who are still not sure how to calculate how much electricity (power) a fan use, we have a simple calculator here. The only thing you need to type is the power of your fan, how many hours you will use it, and the average price of electricity in the area where you live.
Things you need to know to calculate the power consumption of a fan:
- Fan wattage: This information, also known as the ‘running wattage’, can usually be found on the fan’s label or in its specification sheet.
- Operational hours: This could be daily, weekly, or monthly.
- The cost of electricity: This is typically measured per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and can usually be found on your electricity bill or by contacting your power provider.
Note! Keep in mind that electricity is calculated in kWh, and your fan is in watts.
How Many Watts Does A Fan Use?
Whether a fan consumes a lot of electricity primarily depends on its wattage. For instance, to determine if a ceiling fan consumes a lot of energy, you first need to know its wattage. Generally, most ceiling fans consume less than 100 Watts.
Let’s take a quick look at the approximate power usage of various fan types:
- Dyson AM07 Tower Fan: Operates at 56 Watts
- Hunter Builder Deluxe Ceiling Fan: Operates at 70 Watts
- Honeywell HT-900 TurboForce Fan: Operates at 50 Watts
For those who don’t know the power consumption (in watts) for their fan, you can find it out by using some of these methods:
- Manufacturer’s Specifications: Look for the specifications in the user manual or online by searching the brand and model of your fan. The wattage is typically listed in these materials.
- Label or Sticker: Check the fan itself for any labels or stickers, often located on the base, back, or side of the fan. These typically contain information about the fan’s voltage, amperage, and wattage.
- Check on the Internet: If you can’t find the information anywhere, Google your fan model on the Internet. You will find the wattage power on their official website or on some reviews.
As we mentioned above, when you know how many watts you have, it is very easy to calculate the price of electricity consumption. Here is a simple formula that shows this:
Electricity = Fan Power (Watts) / 1000
Note! It is divided by 1,000 because we need to use kWh instead of watts.
Here is the power consumption (watts) that different types of fans use per hour:
| Fan Power (W) | Power Consumed (kWh) |
|---|---|
| 10 W | 0.01 kWh |
| 20 W | 0.02 kWh |
| 30 W | 0.03 kWh |
| 50 W | 0.05 kWh |
| 60 W | 0.06 kWh |
| 70 W | 0.07 kWh |
| 100 W | 0.10 kWh |
| 150 W | 0.15 kWh |
Once you’ve determined the wattage your fan uses, it’s simple to figure out the electricity consumed each hour (as previously explained). To find out the operating cost of a fan, multiply the electricity usage by the cost of electricity.
Related Article: How Much Electricity (Power) Does An Electric Iron Use?
How Much Does It Cost To Run A Fan?
To begin with, we will take an example so that we can determine the price.
A ceiling fan that has 70 W will consume 0.07 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in an hour. But what does this translate to in terms of cost? To figure out the operating cost of the fan, you need to know the cost of electricity per kWh in your region. Currently, the average electricity rate across the United States is $0.23 per kWh.
Example: Let’s say that we have a fan that has 70 W. This means that our fan will consume 0.07 kWh.
Electricity Cost (Fan 70 W) = 0.07 kWh x $0.23/kWh = $0.0161 per hour
Doing the math is pretty straightforward. If you know a 70W fan costs $0.0161 to operate per hour, it’s simple to figure out the daily (24 hours), weekly (168 hours), and monthly (720 hours) expenses.
Given the cost of electricity at $0.23 per kWh, the running costs for a 70W fan would look like this:
- Per Hour: It costs $0.0161
- Daily: It costs $0.386.
- Weekly: It costs $2.71.
- Monthly: It costs $11.58.
Below is a table summarizing these calculations for fans ranging from 10W to 1,000W.
Note! Electricity price varies depending on the location where you live. If your rate is higher, your costs will be more, and vice versa.
These are some of the electricity prices in the United States:
| State | Cost of electricity |
|---|---|
| Arizona | 14.74 ¢ / kWh |
| Arkansas | 13.26 ¢ / kWh |
| California | 28.38 ¢ / kWh |
| Colorado | 14.61 ¢ / kWh |
| Florida | 15.48 ¢ / kWh |
| Georgia | 13.95 ¢ / kWh |
| Idaho | 10.35 ¢ / kWh |
| Illinois | 14.40 ¢ / kWh |
| Indiana | 16.28 ¢ / kWh |
How To Calculate the Power Consumption Of A Fan?
For those unsure about determining the power (electricity) usage of their fans, we’ve got the perfect solution. Here you can use Fan Power Consumption Calculator and get the results quickly. This tool will do all the hard work for you, making it easy to understand your fan’s energy cost.
Related Article: How Much Power (Watts) Does An AC Use?
The Operating Cost of a Fan: A Detailed Breakdown
Below, you’ll find a table detailing the running costs of a fan per hour, day, week, and month. These calculations are based on the average electricity cost in the United States, which is currently $0.23:
| Fan Power (Watts) | Cost/Hour | Cost/Day | Cost/Week | Cost/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 W (0.01 kWh) | $ 0.0023 | $ 0,0552 | $ 0,39 | $ 1,66 |
| 30 W (0.03 kWh) | $ 0.0069 | $ 0,1656 | $ 1,16 | $ 4,97 |
| 50 W (0.05 kWh) | $ 0.0115 | $ 0,276 | $ 1,93 | $ 8,28 |
| 70 W (0.07 kWh) | $ 0.0161 | $ 0,3864 | $ 2,70 | $ 11,59 |
| 80 W (0.08 kWh) | $ 0.0184 | $ 0,4416 | $ 3,09 | $ 13,25 |
| 100 W (0.1 kWh) | $ 0.023 | $ 0,552 | $ 3,86 | $ 16,56 |
| 150 W (0.15 kWh) | $ 0,034 | $ 0,816 | $ 5,71 | $ 24,48 |
| 200 W (0.2 kWh) | $ 0,046 | $ 1,104 | $ 7,73 | $ 33,12 |
| 250 W (0.25 kWh) | $ 0,057 | $ 1,368 | $ 9,58 | $ 41,04 |
| 300 W (0.3 kWh) | $ 0,069 | $ 1,656 | $ 11,59 | $ 49,68 |
| 400 W (0.4 kWh) | $ 0,092 | $ 2,208 | $ 15,46 | $ 66,24 |
| 500 W (0.5 kWh) | $ 0,115 | $ 2,76 | $ 19,32 | $ 82,80 |
| 600 W (0.6 kWh) | $ 0,138 | $ 3,312 | $ 23,18 | $ 99,36 |
| 700 W (0.7 kWh) | $ 0,161 | $ 3,864 | $ 27,05 | $ 115,92 |
| 800 W (0.8 kWh) | $ 0,184 | $ 4,416 | $ 30,91 | $ 132,48 |
| 900 W (0.9 kWh) | $ 0,207 | $ 4,968 | $ 34,78 | $ 149,04 |
| 1000 W (1 kWh) | $ 0,23 | $ 5,52 | $ 38,64 | $ 165,60 |
Note! As of July 2023, the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is about 23 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
This fundamental method can be used to determine how much it would cost you to run any type of fan. If you are unsure and want to use a calculator to find out how much electricity your fan consumes, click HERE. Please include your fan’s wattage and the cost of electricity in your area, and that’s it. You will see the results in the table.
Here is also one interesting YouTube video that shows how much electricity a fan uses:
5 Ways How To Save Electricity When Using A Fan
While fans aren’t major energy consumers, there are some methods that you can use to save power when using them. Here are the tips that we believe can help you save electricity:
- Choose Energy-Efficient Models: Opt for high Energy Star or BEE rating fans. These fans are designed to consume less power while providing the same cooling effect.
- Use Fans with Brushless DC Motors: If it’s time to replace your fans, consider those with Brushless DC motors. These fans provide the same air circulation at a significantly lower wattage.
- Turn Off When Not in Use: Turn off fans when leaving a room. This simple habit can lead to substantial energy savings.
- Adjust Fan Speed: Use lower fan speeds when the cooling requirement is not high. Lower speeds mean less power consumption.
- Regular Maintenance: Clean and service your fans regularly. Well-maintained fans work more efficiently and consume less power.
Related Article: 250 Save Electricity Slogans
Final Thoughts
To sum up, a fan’s electricity depends on its wattage, which typically ranges between 10W and 100W. Most fans usually operate at 70 watts, about 60 hours per month, which is $0.96 monthly. While fans aren’t massive electricity consumers, understanding their power usage can be quite beneficial for managing energy consumption and cost.
It’s also important to remember that energy-efficient practices, such as turning off fans when not in use and choosing energy-efficient models, can further reduce your electricity bill. So, while fans are a daily necessity, they don’t need to be a significant expense if used wisely.
