How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan?
A ceiling fan costs about 0.7¢ per hour, 6.0¢ a day, $1.84 a month and $22 a year at typical use (8 hours a day) and the U.S. average rate of 17.99¢/kWh. 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.
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Cost by setting
| Setting | Watts | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 15 | 0.3¢ | 2.4¢ | $0.74 | $9 |
| Medium | 25 | 0.4¢ | 3.9¢ | $1.18 | $14 |
| High | 40 | 0.7¢ | 6.0¢ | $1.84 | $22 |
| High with lights | 60 | 1.1¢ | 8.9¢ | $2.72 | $33 |
At 8 hours a day and 17.99¢/kWh.
Cost by hours of use
| Hours per day | kWh/day | Per day | Per month | Per year (all year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.06 | 1.1¢ | $0.34 | $4 |
| 2 hours | 0.10 | 1.8¢ | $0.56 | $7 |
| 4 hours | 0.18 | 3.2¢ | $0.99 | $12 |
| 8 hours | 0.34 | 6.0¢ | $1.84 | $22 |
| 12 hours | 0.49 | 8.9¢ | $2.69 | $32 |
| 24 hours | 0.96 | 17¢ | $5.26 | $63 |
Cost to run a ceiling fan in every state
The same ceiling fan costs $15 a year in North Dakota and $53 in Hawaii, at each state's average residential rate (12 months ending July 2026).
| State | Rate | Per hour | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.32¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.26 | $15 |
| Idaho | 12.65¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.29 | $16 |
| Nebraska | 12.86¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.32 | $16 |
| Louisiana | 12.99¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.33 | $16 |
| Utah | 13.32¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.36 | $16 |
| Nevada | 13.36¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.37 | $16 |
| Arkansas | 13.43¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.37 | $16 |
| Tennessee | 13.56¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.39 | $17 |
| Oklahoma | 13.70¢ | 0.5¢ | $1.40 | $17 |
| Montana | 13.84¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.42 | $17 |
| Kentucky | 13.92¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.42 | $17 |
| Missouri | 13.95¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.43 | $17 |
| Wyoming | 14.01¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.43 | $17 |
| Washington | 14.12¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.44 | $17 |
| Iowa | 14.13¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.45 | $17 |
| South Dakota | 14.20¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.45 | $17 |
| Mississippi | 14.77¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.51 | $18 |
| North Carolina | 14.77¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.51 | $18 |
| Kansas | 15.09¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.54 | $19 |
| Georgia | 15.12¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.55 | $19 |
| New Mexico | 15.32¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.57 | $19 |
| Florida | 15.39¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.57 | $19 |
| Arizona | 15.40¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.57 | $19 |
| West Virginia | 15.48¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.58 | $19 |
| Oregon | 15.50¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.59 | $19 |
| South Carolina | 15.64¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.60 | $19 |
| Texas | 15.96¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.63 | $20 |
| Minnesota | 16.22¢ | 0.6¢ | $1.66 | $20 |
| Alabama | 16.44¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.68 | $20 |
| Virginia | 16.48¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.69 | $20 |
| Colorado | 16.58¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.70 | $20 |
| Indiana | 16.94¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.73 | $21 |
| Delaware | 17.79¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.82 | $22 |
| Ohio | 18.25¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.87 | $22 |
| Wisconsin | 18.74¢ | 0.7¢ | $1.92 | $23 |
| Illinois | 18.79¢ | 0.8¢ | $1.92 | $23 |
| Pennsylvania | 20.70¢ | 0.8¢ | $2.12 | $25 |
| Maryland | 21.03¢ | 0.8¢ | $2.15 | $26 |
| Michigan | 21.05¢ | 0.8¢ | $2.15 | $26 |
| New Jersey | 23.78¢ | 1.0¢ | $2.43 | $29 |
| Vermont | 23.80¢ | 1.0¢ | $2.43 | $29 |
| District of Columbia | 24.20¢ | 1.0¢ | $2.47 | $30 |
| New Hampshire | 26.67¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.73 | $33 |
| Alaska | 26.85¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.75 | $33 |
| Connecticut | 27.99¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.86 | $34 |
| New York | 28.39¢ | 1.1¢ | $2.90 | $35 |
| Rhode Island | 29.27¢ | 1.2¢ | $2.99 | $36 |
| Maine | 29.31¢ | 1.2¢ | $3.00 | $36 |
| Massachusetts | 30.43¢ | 1.2¢ | $3.11 | $37 |
| California | 32.99¢ | 1.3¢ | $3.37 | $40 |
| Hawaii | 43.51¢ | 1.7¢ | $4.45 | $53 |
Most efficient ceiling fan models
The lowest-energy ENERGY STAR certified models in the most common size (44.2–59.8 in), out of 1,313 certified models. In this class, the best model costs $7 a year to run. The least efficient costs $2,327. Same size, $2,320 a year apart.
| Brand | Model | Diameter | Watts | Cost/yr | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunter | 52874 +1 variant Most Efficient | 52 | 12 | $7 | Amazon |
| Hunter | 52846 Most Efficient | 52 | 14 | $8 | Amazon |
| AERATRON | AE+2WI50*** +1 variant Most Efficient | 50 | 14 | $8 | Amazon |
| Delta | VCA523LED-27-BK Most Efficient | 52 | 15 | $9 | Amazon |
| Hunter | 55130 +2 variants Most Efficient | 52 | 15 | $9 | Amazon |
| Big Ass Fans | MK-HK4-042400 Most Efficient | 52 | 15 | $9 | Amazon |
| Hunter | 53769 Most Efficient | 52 | 15 | $9 | Amazon |
| Hunter | 50716 | 52 | 15 | $9 | Amazon |
| Big Ass Fans | MK-HK4-042500 Most Efficient | 52 | 15 | $9 | Amazon |
| Hunter | 51888 +1 variant Most Efficient | 52 | 16 | $10 | Amazon |
Yearly cost at 8 hours a day and 17.99¢/kWh. Look up any model in the calculator with “Look up my exact model”. Source: ENERGY STAR, updated 2026-10-21. Amazon links search for the exact model; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
How to cut the cost
- Turn the fan off when you leave the room; fans cool people, not air, so an empty room gains nothing.
- Run it counterclockwise in summer and raise the AC set point by about 4°F for the same comfort.
- In winter run it clockwise on low to push warm air down from the ceiling.
- Replace incandescent light kit bulbs with LEDs; 3 x 60 W bulbs become 3 x 9 W.
- Choose a DC-motor fan when replacing; it uses up to 70% less power than an AC motor.
Cheaper ways to get the job done
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 AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Compare with similar appliances
| Appliance | Watts | Typical use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceiling fan | 40 | 8 hours a day | $1.84 | $22 |
| Box fan | 75 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $3.29 | $16 |
| Tower fan | 50 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $2.28 | $11 |
| Pedestal fan | 50 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $2.19 | $11 |
| Central air conditioner | 3,500 | 12 hours a day for 5 months a year | $103 | $517 |
| Window air conditioner | 700 | 8 hours a day for 4 months a year | $18.49 | $74 |
| Bladeless fan | 40 | 8 hours a day for 5 months a year | $1.84 | $9 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan per hour?
A ceiling fan drawing 40 watts uses 0.04 kWh per hour. At the U.S. average of 17.99¢/kWh that's 0.7¢ per hour. In North Dakota (12.32¢) it's 0.5¢. In Hawaii (43.51¢) it's 1.7¢.
How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan per month?
At typical use (8 hours a day), a ceiling fan costs about $1.84 a month and $22 a year, at the U.S. average rate. Enter your ZIP in the calculator above for your utility's rate.
How many watts does a ceiling fan use?
Most ceiling fans use 10 to 100 watts, depending on the setting (low 15 W, medium 25 W, high 40 W, high with lights 60 W). Plugged in but off, it still draws about 1 W of standby power. Check the label on the back or bottom for your model's exact rating.
How many kWh does a ceiling fan use?
About 0.34 kWh a day and 123 kWh a year at typical use (8 hours a day).
Does a ceiling fan use a lot of electricity?
No. At about 123 kWh a year it's a small share (1.2%) of the average U.S. home's 10,492 kWh.
Is it cheaper to run a ceiling fan or a box fan?
At typical use, a ceiling fan costs about $22 a year versus $16 for a box fan. So the box fan is cheaper by about $6 a year. Use the comparison table above to compare them at your own settings.
How can I lower the cost of running a ceiling fan?
- Turn the fan off when you leave the room; fans cool people, not air, so an empty room gains nothing.
- Run it counterclockwise in summer and raise the AC set point by about 4°F for the same comfort.
- In winter run it clockwise on low to push warm air down from the ceiling.
Rates updated 2026-10-21: EIA data through July 2026. Typical wattage and usage reviewed against DOE, ENERGY STAR and manufacturer specs. Methodology.