Air circulator fan vs. pedestal fan: running cost
A pedestal fan is cheaper to run: about $11 a year versus $13 for an air circulator fan at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $2 difference.
| Air circulator fan | Pedestal fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 60 W | 50 W |
| Watt range | 20–120 W | 25–100 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 | 61 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.1¢ | 0.9¢ |
| Cost per day | 8.6¢ | 7.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $2.63 | $2.19 |
| Cost per year | $13 | $11 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $32 | $26 |
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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.
- Pedestal fan: A 16-inch pedestal fan draws about 35-60 W.
Ways to cut either cost
DC pedestal fan
Delivers the same breeze on 5-25 W.
See options on Amazon DC air circulator
DC motor uses 3-40 W for the same airflow.
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 pedestal fan?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), an air circulator fan costs about $13 a year versus $11 for a pedestal fan. That's $2 more, or 1.2× as much.
How many watts do air circulator fan and pedestal fan use?
An air circulator fan typically draws 60 W (range 20–120 W). A pedestal fan draws 50 W (range 25–100 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.