A regular fan uses approximately 0.03 to 0.06 kWh of electricity per hour. At a rate of 21 cents per kWh, that costs just over a cent per hour. A 55-watt pedestal fan, such as the Dynter AV25G, will therefore cost you approximately 1.2 cents per hour. How much electricity a fan uses depends on its power in watts, the setting you choose, and the number of hours it is switched on.
Direct answer: A 55-watt fan uses 0.055 kWh per hour. At an assumed electricity price of 21 cents per kWh, that is approximately 1.2 cents per hour, about 9 cents for a night of 8 hours, and around 1.25 euros after 110 hours of use.
How do you calculate the electricity consumption of a fan?
The calculation is simple. Divide the power in watts by 1,000 to get the consumption in kilowatts. Multiply that by the number of hours the fan runs, and you will have the consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Then multiply by the price per kWh. A 55-watt fan running for 1 hour therefore uses 55 / 1,000 x 1 = 0.055 kWh.
In this article, we use 21 cents per kWh as the electricity price. This is an assumption: it is the long-term average that Milieu Centraal uses for savings calculations. Your own rate may be higher or lower, so feel free to check your energy contract and adjust the calculation.
How much does a fan cost per hour, per night, and per day?
The table below shows how much a 55-watt fan costs at different durations of use. This is based on the stated power of the Dynter AV25G; at a lower setting, the actual consumption may be slightly lower.
| Duration of use | Consumption (kWh) | Cost at 21 cents per kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 0.055 | approx. 1.2 cents |
| 8 hours (one night) | 0.44 | approx. 9 cents |
| 24 hours | 1.32 | approx. 28 cents |
| 110 hours (a warm summer) | 6.05 | approx. 1.27 euros |
Even if the fan is on day and night, your bill will barely increase. Cooling non-stop for a full week costs approximately two euros based on these assumptions.
Fan versus air conditioner: the difference in electricity consumption
The major advantage of a fan is that it requires very little power. In its overview of air conditioners and fans, Milieu Centraal calculates that a fan used for 110 hours consumes 5.5 kWh, which amounts to approximately 1 euro. According to the same source, a portable air conditioner uses about 20 times as much electricity over the same period and also costs approximately 10 times more to purchase.
There is, however, an important difference in how they work. A fan does not cool the air, but creates airflow over your skin, making you feel less heat. This makes it energy-efficient, but also less powerful than an air conditioner in extreme heat. You can read more about the best place in the room in our article where to place a fan for the best cooling.
What does the electricity consumption of a fan depend on?
The power on the type plate is the starting point, but a few factors determine what you actually consume in practice. A lower speed setting generally uses less electricity than the highest setting. The oscillation function ensures that the air is spread over a larger part of the room, so you can often use a lower setting; you can read how exactly that works in what oscillation in a fan is. The age and type of motor also play a role, as do dust buildup on the blades, which makes the fan have to work harder.
A fan sitting still in an empty room cools no one. So turn it off when you leave. That is the simplest way to prevent unnecessary consumption.
The Dynter AV25G: an energy-efficient pedestal fan
The AV25G is a foldable pedestal fan with oscillation, suitable for home and travel. With 55 watts, the consumption remains low, while it still moves a lot of air.
Product name: Dynter AirFlow AV25G fan (white and grey)
Energy consumption: 55W (AC motor), 220-240V ~ 50Hz
Airflow: air speed of 5.3 m/s and a CADR value of 3533 m³/h
Controls: control knob with three speed settings and rotating air distribution (oscillation)
Height and size: adjustable from 80 to 125 cm; folded 42 x 42 x 20 cm; weight 3.49 kg
Would you prefer a slim tower fan for a corner of the room? Then also check out the TV26G tower fan.
How to keep the electricity consumption of your fan low
Use the lowest setting that still feels comfortable and turn on oscillation when you are in a room with several people. Keep the blades and grille clean, because dirt and dust obstruct the airflow. A fan that makes a lot of noise often has a problem with mounting or dust; tips for this can be found in our article about a fan that makes noise. Furthermore, combine the fan with sun shading during the day and ventilation during the cooler hours, so that heat does not build up inside first.
Also useful: a fan can help wet laundry dry faster. Read about this in how a fan dries your laundry faster.
Frequently asked questions
How many watts does an average fan use?
This varies by type. Milieu Centraal calculates approximately 50 watts for a fan in its calculation example (5.5 kWh after 110 hours of use). The Dynter AV25G has a stated power of 55 watts.
How much does it cost to leave a fan on all night?
A 55-watt fan uses approximately 0.44 kWh in 8 hours. At an assumed rate of 21 cents per kWh, that costs approximately 9 cents.
Is a fan more energy-efficient than an air conditioner?
Yes. According to Milieu Centraal, a portable air conditioner uses approximately 20 times as much electricity as a fan over 110 hours. However, an air conditioner actually cools the air, while a fan does not.
Does a fan use much less electricity on the lowest setting?
Generally, yes, because the motor runs less hard. How much exactly varies by model and is not stated for every setting on the AV25G product page, so for safety, calculate with the maximum power.
Can I measure my electricity consumption myself?
Yes, with an energy meter (plug meter) between the socket and the fan, you can see exactly how many watts and kWh the device uses.
Energy-efficient cooling with Dynter
Are you looking for an energy-efficient way to make it more comfortable at home? Check out the AV25G in white, the AV25G in grey, or our complete range in the air conditioners and fans collection.