New electricity bills have hit historical highs, revealing a notable rise of about 30 euros each month. Since the start of June, electricity prices have surged to record levels, climbing 74% above last year and staying elevated for four consecutive weeks, a trend visible across many households in North America this summer.
This price uptick has triggered alarms at home as heat climbs. When temperatures hover near 30 degrees, households often rely on fans or air conditioning to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Saving on electricity bills has become essential, and many people wonder which device costs more to run: a fan or an air conditioner. Both use electricity, but air conditioning tends to cool the entire space quickly, making it the more energy-intensive option in a short period of time.
Air conditioner or fan: which spends more
Air conditioning generally consumes more energy, yet other factors deserve consideration when choosing between these cooling options, including efficiency, cost, and comfort.
- Energy efficiency: newer models typically use less power, making now a sensible moment to upgrade and reduce the monthly bill
- Appropriateness: select a unit with moderate output that maintains comfortable temperatures without overworking the system. If inverter technology is present, energy use is further optimized
- Running cost: an air conditioner with about 3,000 refrigerant cycles costs roughly 0.15 euros per hour of operation. Final cost depends on the kilowatt price and how long it runs
How to calculate air conditioner consumption: power usage is expressed in kilowatts (kW). If the unit is 2.2 kW, the consumption formula becomes: Power consumed = equipment power x operating hours x price per kWh.
The savings from cooling power can be substantial, yet air conditioning carries disadvantages that may lessen its appeal in hot climates. A fan circulates air but does not lower the air temperature. In very hot regions or during sunset, this can result in less perceived freshness, since hot air is moved around rather than cooled.
A floor fan uses about 90 kilowatts per hour, while a ceiling fan is around 60 kW.
How to save energy with a fan
- When the room is cooling, switch off the fan before sleep and enjoy the cooler outdoor temperature
- Operate at lower speeds; higher speeds increase energy consumption
- Place the device in the room where it’s used most to maximize effectiveness