Ceiling fan vs. box fan: running cost
A box fan is cheaper to run: about $16 a year versus $22 for a ceiling fan at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $6 difference.
| Ceiling fan | Box fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 40 W | 75 W |
| Watt range | 10–100 W | 40–110 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 123 kWh | 91 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.7¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.0¢ | 11¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.84 | $3.29 |
| Cost per year | $22 | $16 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $53 | $40 |
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What drives the difference
- Ceiling fan: Most AC-motor ceiling fans draw 30-75 W on high; DC-motor fans draw 5-35 W. Watts exclude the light kit unless the mode includes it.
- 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-motor floor fan
Moves similar air on 10-30 W.
See options on Amazon DC motor ceiling fan
Uses 5-35 W versus 30-75 W for older AC motors.
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, a ceiling fan or a box fan?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a ceiling fan costs about $22 a year versus $16 for a box fan. That's $6 more, or 1.3× as much.
How many watts do ceiling fan and box fan use?
A ceiling fan typically draws 40 W (range 10–100 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.