Misting fan vs. pedestal fan: running cost
A misting fan is cheaper to run: about $6 a year versus $11 for a pedestal fan at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $5 difference.
| Misting fan | Pedestal fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 100 W | 50 W |
| Watt range | 30–300 W | 25–100 W |
| Typical use | 4 hours a day, 4 days a week for 5 months a year | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 35 kWh | 61 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 1.8¢ | 0.9¢ |
| Cost per day | 4.1¢ | 7.2¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.25 | $2.19 |
| Cost per year | $6 | $11 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $15 | $26 |
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What drives the difference
- Misting fan: Misting fans add a small water pump or atomizer to an outdoor fan and draw about 30-300 W.
- Pedestal fan: A 16-inch pedestal fan draws about 35-60 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Hose misting line
Uses household water pressure with no electricity.
See options on Amazon DC pedestal fan
Delivers the same breeze on 5-25 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, a misting fan or a pedestal fan?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a pedestal fan costs about $11 a year versus $6 for a misting fan. That's $5 more, or 1.7× as much.
How many watts do misting fan and pedestal fan use?
A misting fan typically draws 100 W (range 30–300 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.