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How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan?

Typical wattage
65–175 W
Cost per hour
$0.01–$0.03
at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)
Energy per hour
0.07–0.18 kWh

A ceiling fan typically draws 65–175 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.01–$0.03 for every hour it runs at full power.

Wattage depends on fan size and speed setting; lights in the fixture add to the total.

Cost per day and per month

Use per daykWh per dayCost per dayCost per month
1 hour0.07–0.18$0.01–$0.03$0.36–$0.97
2 hours0.13–0.35$0.02–$0.06$0.72–$1.93
4 hours0.26–0.70$0.05–$0.13$1.44–$3.87
8 hours0.52–1.40$0.09–$0.25$2.87–$7.73

Scenarios show full-power hours. Appliances with thermostats or cycling compressors draw full power for only part of the time they are switched on.

Cost per hour by state

StateRate (12-mo)Cost per hour
Alabama16.44¢$0.01–$0.03
Alaska26.94¢$0.02–$0.05
Arizona15.39¢$0.01–$0.03
Arkansas13.57¢$0.01–$0.02
California32.34¢$0.02–$0.06
Colorado17.17¢$0.01–$0.03
Connecticut27.42¢$0.02–$0.05
Delaware17.98¢$0.01–$0.03
District of Columbia24.48¢$0.02–$0.04
Florida15.41¢$0.01–$0.03
Georgia15.17¢$0.01–$0.03
Hawaii44.27¢$0.03–$0.08
Idaho12.77¢$0.01–$0.02
Illinois18.91¢$0.01–$0.03
Indiana16.90¢$0.01–$0.03
Iowa14.20¢$0.01–$0.02
Kansas15.13¢$0.01–$0.03
Kentucky13.94¢$0.01–$0.02
Louisiana13.02¢$0.01–$0.02
Maine29.60¢$0.02–$0.05
Maryland21.18¢$0.01–$0.04
Massachusetts30.39¢$0.02–$0.05
Michigan21.28¢$0.01–$0.04
Minnesota16.28¢$0.01–$0.03
Mississippi14.85¢$0.01–$0.03
Missouri13.97¢$0.01–$0.02
Montana13.94¢$0.01–$0.02
Nebraska12.74¢$0.01–$0.02
Nevada13.45¢$0.01–$0.02
New Hampshire26.95¢$0.02–$0.05
New Jersey23.74¢$0.02–$0.04
New Mexico16.51¢$0.01–$0.03
New York28.60¢$0.02–$0.05
North Carolina14.79¢$0.01–$0.03
North Dakota12.35¢$0.01–$0.02
Ohio18.41¢$0.01–$0.03
Oklahoma13.81¢$0.01–$0.02
Oregon15.53¢$0.01–$0.03
Pennsylvania20.86¢$0.01–$0.04
Rhode Island29.44¢$0.02–$0.05
South Carolina15.77¢$0.01–$0.03
South Dakota14.28¢$0.01–$0.02
Tennessee13.61¢$0.01–$0.02
Texas15.98¢$0.01–$0.03
Utah13.26¢$0.01–$0.02
Vermont23.90¢$0.02–$0.04
Virginia16.64¢$0.01–$0.03
Washington14.20¢$0.01–$0.02
West Virginia15.53¢$0.01–$0.03
Wisconsin18.79¢$0.01–$0.03
Wyoming14.01¢$0.01–$0.02

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a ceiling fan use?

A typical ceiling fan uses 65–175 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan per hour?

About $0.01–$0.03 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a ceiling fan for a month?

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $0.36–$0.97 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a ceiling fan use?

About 0.07–0.18 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my ceiling fan's exact wattage?

Check the rating label or manual, or measure it with a plug-in electricity usage meter, which shows real watts and kWh.

Rates: EIA, 12-month residential average. Cost = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × rate (US Department of Energy method).

Sources

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