Ceiling fan vs. tower fan: running cost
A tower fan is cheaper to run: about $11 a year versus $22 for a ceiling fan at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $11 difference.
| Ceiling fan | Tower fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 40 W | 50 W |
| Watt range | 10–100 W | 20–110 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 123 kWh | 63 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.7¢ | 0.9¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.0¢ | 7.5¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.84 | $2.28 |
| Cost per year | $22 | $11 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $53 | $28 |
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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.
- Tower fan: Tower fans typically draw 30-60 W. DC-motor models such as many Dreo fans use as little as 10-35 W.
Ways to cut either cost
DC tower fan
Uses roughly half the power of an AC-motor tower fan.
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 tower fan?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a ceiling fan costs about $22 a year versus $11 for a tower fan. That's $11 more, or 1.9× as much.
How many watts do ceiling fan and tower fan use?
A ceiling fan typically draws 40 W (range 10–100 W). A tower fan draws 50 W (range 20–110 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.