Ceiling fan vs. window air conditioner: running cost
A ceiling fan is cheaper to run: about $22 a year versus $74 for a window air conditioner at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $52 difference.
| Ceiling fan | Window air conditioner | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 40 W | 700 W |
| Watt range | 10–100 W | 400–1,800 W |
| Typical use | 8 hours a day | 8 hours a day for 4 months a year |
| Energy per year | 123 kWh | 411 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.7¢ | 7.6¢ |
| Cost per day | 6.0¢ | 61¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.84 | $18.49 |
| Cost per year | $22 | $74 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $53 | $179 |
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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.
- Window air conditioner: Watts are for typical CEER 10-12 units. Inverter models such as the Midea U-shaped run at reduced speed most of the time and use 25-35% less.
Ways to cut either cost
Uses 5-35 W versus 30-75 W for older AC motors.
See options on AmazonCuts light-kit use by 80-90%.
See options on AmazonVariable-speed compressors use roughly 25-35% less energy than fixed-speed units.
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 window air conditioner?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a window air conditioner costs about $74 a year versus $22 for a ceiling fan. That's $52 more, or 3.3× as much.
How many watts do ceiling fan and window air conditioner use?
A ceiling fan typically draws 40 W (range 10–100 W). A window air conditioner draws 700 W (range 400–1,800 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.