Air Conditioner vs. Fan: Energy Costs and Savings in North America

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New electricity bills are hitting historic highs, rising by roughly 30 euros each month. Since the start of June, electricity prices have surged and remain at record levels, about 74% higher than a year ago, with four straight weeks of unprecedented peaks.

This price jump has triggered alarms for households this summer. Depending on how a home is oriented, keeping indoors comfortable on hot days can be a challenge. When temperatures hover near 30 degrees Celsius, people often rely on fans or air conditioning to stay cool and comfortable inside.

Saving on electricity has become essential, and many wonder: does a fan or an air conditioner use more energy? Both devices draw power, but air conditioning typically cools the space more quickly and lowers the overall indoor temperature more effectively.

Air conditioner or fan: which costs more to run

Air conditioners generally consume substantially more electricity, yet other factors and advantages must be weighed against a fan’s benefits.

  • Energy efficiency: If a unit is newer, it will typically use less energy than an older model. This makes it a good time to upgrade to reduce the electricity bill.
  • Capacity: Choose a model that is not overly powerful and can maintain comfortable temperatures without overspending. Inverter technology can enhance efficiency.
  • Operating cost: A modern air conditioner with about 3,000 refrigerant cycles costs roughly 0.15 euros per hour of use. The final cost depends on the current kilowatt price and the duration of operation.

How to calculate air conditioner consumption: this is a straightforward calculation using kilowatts. If the equipment is 2.2 kW, the consumption is Power consumed = device power x operating time in hours x price per kWh.

The potential savings from air conditioning are often larger than those achieved with a fan, though there are drawbacks that can make cooling less attractive in some situations. A fan moves air but does not lower the air temperature. In very hot regions or late in the day, this may mean less perceived cooling and the hot air can keep circulating in the room where the device runs.

Typical power usage estimates show a floor fan around 90 kilowatts per hour and a ceiling (roof) fan around 60 kW per hour.

Tips to save energy with a fan

  • When the environment is cool, switch off the fan before sleep and take advantage of the cooler outdoor air.
  • Operate at lower speeds since higher speeds raise consumption.
  • Position the device in the room where time is spent most to maximize comfort and efficiency.
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