Fan Running Cost Calculator
How much does it actually cost to run a fan or portable air conditioner? Enter your appliance's wattage, how many hours a day you use it, and your electricity rate — and we'll calculate the daily and monthly cost.
Calculate your running costs
This calculator is an estimate only. Actual costs vary with your tariff, appliance wattage, speed setting, thermostat cycling, room conditions and how long the appliance really runs.
Results
Daily cost: —
Cost over 30 days: —
Total energy used: —
Based on your entered electricity rate. Actual costs may vary.
Typical wattages for common appliances
| Appliance | Typical Wattage | 8 hrs/day cost (28p/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Small desk fan | 15–25W | 3–6p |
| Tower fan (AC motor) | 40–75W | 9–17p |
| Tower fan (DC motor) | 5–35W | 1–8p |
| Pedestal fan | 35–65W | 8–15p |
| Dyson bladeless fan | 40–56W | 9–13p |
| Portable air conditioner | 700–1,200W | £1.57–£2.69 |
How to reduce your cooling costs
- Use a fan on a timer — you may not need it running all night
- Choose a DC motor fan for significantly lower running costs
- Position fans to cool people, not just circulate room air
- Keep your home cool during the day (see our bedroom cooling guide) to reduce how much you rely on fans overnight
Running cost FAQ
How do I calculate fan running cost?
Multiply wattage by hours used, divide by 1,000 to get kWh, then multiply by your electricity unit rate. The calculator above does this automatically.
Is a fan cheaper to run than portable air conditioning?
Usually yes. Many fans use 15–75W, while compressor portable AC units often use 700–1,200W. That makes fans far cheaper for all-night use.
Where do I find my fan wattage?
Check the appliance label, plug label or product manual. If a fan has multiple speeds, the maximum wattage is usually the safest estimate.