Air circulator fan vs. box fan: running cost
An air circulator fan is cheaper to run: about $13 a year versus $16 for a box fan at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $3 difference.
| Air circulator fan | Box fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 60 W | 75 W |
| Watt range | 20–120 W | 40–110 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 73 kWh | 91 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.1¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 8.6¢ | 11¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.63 | $3.29 |
| Cost per year | $13 | $16 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $32 | $40 |
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What drives the difference
- Air circulator fan: Vornado-style air circulators draw about 30-90 W depending on size and speed.
- Box fan: A standard 20-inch box fan draws about 45-75 W. Running one 8 hours a day all summer costs a few dollars.
Ways to cut either cost
DC air circulator
DC motor uses 3-40 W for the same airflow.
See options on Amazon DC-motor floor fan
Moves similar air on 10-30 W.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, an air circulator fan or a box fan?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a box fan costs about $16 a year versus $13 for an air circulator fan. That's $3 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do air circulator fan and box fan use?
An air circulator fan typically draws 60 W (range 20–120 W). A box fan draws 75 W (range 40–110 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.