How many watts does a fan consume per hour?

How many watts does a fan consume per hour? An average pedestal fan consumes between 20 and 80 watts per hour, depending on the type and the speed setting. On the lowest setting, consumption sometimes drops below 20 watts; at maximum power, an older or cheaper fan can reach up to 100 watts. Modern DC motors — such as those found in many tower fans — are significantly more energy-efficient and sometimes consume as little as 2 to 5 watts on the lowest setting. Meta description: A pedestal fan consumes an average of 20 to 80 watts per hour. Calculate your electricity costs and discover which type of fan is the most energy-efficient. What determines the power consumption of a fan? Three factors determine how much electricity a fan consumes: the motor type, the maximum power, and the fan setting used. Most cheap fans operate with an AC motor (alternating current). These are simple and reliable, but consume relatively much energy on all settings. A 40-watt table fan often still uses 25 to 30 watts even on setting 1. DC motors (direct current) are the new standard in high-quality fans. They control the speed electronically, resulting in massive energy savings at lower settings. A tower fan with a DC motor can consume less than 5 watts on setting 1, while the same device uses 40 to 50 watts at maximum power. That is a world of difference if you leave the fan on all night. Calculating electricity costs: how to do it The formula is simple: power (kW) × usage time (hours) × electricity price (€/kWh) = costs. In the Netherlands, the average electricity price in 2026 is around €0.35 per kWh. Practical example: a 50-watt fan that runs for 8 hours a night consumes 0.4 kWh per night. That costs you 0.4 × €0.35 = €0.14 per night — or about €4.20 per month if you use it every night. A DC fan on setting 1 with only 5 watts does the same job for less than half a euro per month. Fan type Average power Costs per night (8 hours) Costs per month (30 nights) Table fan (AC) 30–45 watts €0.08 – €0.13 €2.40 – €3.90 Pedestal fan (AC) 40–80 watts €0.11 – €0.22 €3.36 – €6.72 Tower fan (AC) 35–60 watts €0.10 – €0.17 €2.94 – €5.04 Tower fan (DC motor) 5–45 watts €0.01 – €0.13 €0.42 – €3.78 Bladeless fan 40–56 watts €0.11 – €0.16 €3.36 – €4.70 Is a fan more energy-efficient than an air conditioner? Absolutely. An average split-unit air conditioner consumes 700 to 1500 watts per hour — ten to thirty times more than a fan. A fan does not cool the air itself, but provides a cooling wind-chill effect on the skin, making a room feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler. For most hot days in the Netherlands, a good fan is sufficient to stay comfortable without causing your energy bill to skyrocket. If you want to actually cool the room instead of just creating a cooling sensation, an air cooler is an interesting intermediate step: it consumes 60 to 150 watts and actually lowers the air temperature by a few degrees. Product highlight: Dynter Tower Fan TV26G The Dynter Tower Fan TV26G is an energy-efficient choice for the bedroom or living room. With a narrow, upright design, it takes up little floor space, while its 360° oscillation provides the entire room with a fresh breeze. Power: 45 watts (maximum setting) Settings: 3 speed levels Oscillation: 70° automatic swing Timer: adjustable so it switches off automatically Noise level: quiet enough for use in the bedroom Design: slim tower, stable base, simple operation Want to sit comfortably during the day too? The Dynter AV25G pedestal fan is height-adjustable up to 125 cm and folds down compactly for storage — ideal if you don't need it all year round. Direct answer: A fan consumes an average of 20 to 80 watts per hour, depending on the type and the setting. A modern tower fan costs you about €0.10 to €0.17 per night if used for 8 hours overnight — a fraction of what an air conditioner consumes. Curious about which fan best suits your situation? View the full range in Dynter's collection of fans and air coolers and compare models based on power, noise level, and features. Frequently asked questions How much does a fan cost in electricity per month? With daily usage of 8 hours and an electricity price of €0.35 per kWh, you pay about €4 to €5 per month for a regular pedestal fan (50 watts). An energy-efficient DC fan on a low setting costs even less than €1 per month. Is a tower fan more energy-efficient than a regular fan? That depends on the motor type. Modern tower fans with a DC motor are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional AC fans. Always check the stated maximum power and the mention of the motor type in the specifications. Can I leave a fan on all night? Yes, most fans are designed for continuous operation. However, it is wise to use a timer function so that the device switches off automatically as the night gets cooler. Keep the device clean so that the motor does not overheat due to dust on the grille cover. Does a fan consume less electricity on setting 1? With AC motors, the difference between settings is relatively small — setting 1 often still uses 60 to 70% of the maximum power. With DC motors, the savings at low settings are dramatically greater: setting 1 can sometimes use only 10% of the maximum power. What is cheaper: a fan or an air cooler? A fan is cheaper to use, but does not cool the air itself — it only creates a wind-chill effect. An air cooler consumes more electricity (60–150 watts) but lowers the actual air temperature by a few degrees, which is more pleasant in extreme heat. On average summer days, a fan is sufficient and the cheapest option. How do I clean my fan to keep power consumption low? Dust on the grille cover and the blades causes the motor to work harder. Turn off the device and use a soft brush or a dry cloth to clean the grilles. With a tower fan, you can often reach the inside through the base plate using compressed air spray.