While air conditioning may be the first port of call, finding the best fan for your home could help reduce your energy costs – but how much can depend on several factors such as the efficiency of your fan and how much you pay for your energy. According to the American Energy Information Administration (opens in new tab), 90% of US households turned to air conditioners when it came to how to cool down a room in 2020, and the number of homes using these devices increasing year on year. However, with fans working out a lot cheaper it might be time to change your approach to how to keep a home cool in a heatwave. Here is how to work out how much it costs to run a fan 24/7 so you can save money and energy in your home.
How much does it cost to run a fan 24/7?
How much does it cost to run a fan 24/7?
Working out how much it costs to run a fan 24/7 involves some maths but it is worth calculating when trying to save money at home. ‘Many households will be looking for ways to stay cool this summer. But, with the cost of living increasing, and energy bills the highest they’ve ever been, we might be avoiding putting the fan on.’ says Andy Kerr, founder of BOXT (opens in new tab). However, running your fan all day might not be as expensive as you think. Generally speaking, running a fan is more energy efficient and costs far less than installing an air conditioning unit. What’s more, air con may be devaluing your home due to their high running costs. Here are the steps to work out how much running a fan could cost you and how much they could save you.
How to work out how much your fan will cost you
How to work out how much your fan will cost you
Does using a fan use a lot of electricity?
Does using a fan use a lot of electricity?
The size of your fan usually correlates to how much energy it will use. Smaller table fans can use as little as five watts, whereas larger, more industrial fans could use up to 100 watts or more. If you are looking to use a fan to save on your energy bills, go for a midsized fan that has a lower wattage but still has the power to cool you down.
What do you need to consider before running a fan all day?
What do you need to consider before running a fan all day?
Unlike air conditioners, fans work by moving cooler air over your body, as if you were enjoying a breeze. Leaving a fan running in a room that nobody is in is therefore counterintuitive and could be wasting your energy. Consider turning fans off, including ceiling fans, when you leave the room or leave the house to save on costs. ‘You also want to ensure any ceiling fans are set to anti-clockwise so they don’t distribute the warm air,’ Andy adds. ‘Tower fans are also recommended as their oscillating switches work by creating a wind-chill effect rather than lowering the temperature of a room. Likewise, you can position a shallow bowl of ice, ice packs, or a frozen water bottle behind your fan which can be very effective at quickly cooling a room.’
Are some fans cheaper to run than others?
Are some fans cheaper to run than others?
‘Different types of fans consume different levels of power and deliver different levels of efficiency,’ explains Andy. Bladed fans: these fans tend to use the most energy due to the effort it takes to turn the blades. Fans with larger blades will typically use more energy. Bladeless fans: these fans are more efficient than bladed fans as they have fewer moving parts. They achieve this by pulling in air and passing it over smaller, asymmetric blads that increase pressure and improve airflow. Tower fans: taller fans such as tower fans are more efficient than bladed fans but tend to be less effective at moving air. This may mean running them on a higher setting which will increase how much energy it consumes.
