The consumption of a fan: the appliance no one questions

The fan is one of the most energy-efficient systems available. It doesn't cool the air, but it does move it, improving the perceived temperature.

According to standard manufacturer data and domestic energy efficiency guides, these are their consumption ranges:

• Desk fan: 30–50 W 
• Pedestal fan: 40–90 W 
• Ceiling fan: 50–75 W 

This translates into a very low cost, even with many hours of use. If you are thinking of buying one, you can consult this guide to choosing a fan to make sure you get the right model.

Furthermore, it is important to understand that its function is to improve the perceived temperature, not to lower the actual temperature. That is why it is key to combine it well with other solutions such as awnings or cross-ventilation, something we explain in this article.

A/C consumption: why it varies so much between units

Air conditioning has a much more variable consumption rate, as it depends on multiple factors that can significantly alter the final result:

• The power of the unit (between 900 and 2,000 W) 
• The set temperature 
• Outdoor conditions 
• The home's insulation 
• System technology (inverter or conventional) 

In practice, the cost is usually between €0.18 and €0.60 per hour.

At this point, optimising the use of the equipment is key. For example, activating the air conditioning's eco mode allows you to reduce energy consumption without sacrificing comfort.

Additionally, it is worth knowing about more efficient options, such as using the fan mode without activating the compressor. This way, the air continues to circulate with very low consumption, similar to that of a conventional fan.

Comparison table: cost per hour and per month

At what temperature does a fan stop being worthwhile?

A fan is effective up to certain limits, since it does not cool the air but rather improves the perceived temperature. As a practical reference:

• Above 27–28°C indoors, its effectiveness drops significantly. 
• With high humidity, this feeling of relief diminishes sooner.
• In well-insulated homes, comfort can be maintained longer without A/C. 

When these levels are exceeded, the air no longer feels cool and the fan loses its actual effectiveness.

In these cases, air conditioning becomes the most effective option to maintain comfort. You can find more information in this guide to surviving the heat.

The trick of combining them: how to spend less by using both

A highly effective way to improve energy consumption in summer is to combine the fan with the air conditioning. The fan helps to better distribute the cold air around the room, which allows you to raise the air conditioning temperature by between 2 and 3 °C without losing the feeling of comfort.

This simple adjustment can lead to savings of between 20% and 30% in consumption. This is because, for every degree the thermostat is raised, savings can be around 8%, which is especially noticeable during the hottest months.

Furthermore, this strategy works even better if it is complemented by simple measures such as lowering blinds or using awnings to reduce heat entering the home. If you want to delve deeper, here you can read more about how to combine them to reduce electricity consumption.

The timing trick: when to turn on the A/C so it’s cheaper

The time of day when air conditioning is used also has a direct impact on the electricity bill.

With time-of-use tariffs:

• Off-peak hours are significantly cheaper. 
• Peak hours carry the highest cost. 

Therefore, it is advisable to take advantage of the cheaper time slots to cool the home in advance, then maintaining the temperature without straining the equipment, and relying on features such as programming or timers.

To further optimise consumption, you can combine these guidelines with other saving tips, such as those we explain in our article on tricks for using A/C without your bill sky-rocketing.

FAQ

Is it better to set the A/C to 18°C or 25°C?

It is better to set it to 25°C, since every degree you lower it increases consumption by approximately 8%. Between 18°C and 25°C, the difference can reach up to 56%, without improving the cooling time.

Does the A/C fan mode consume the same as the A/C in cooling mode?

No. The fan mode only activates the internal fan without starting the compressor, so its consumption is very low, similar to that of a conventional fan.

Is it worth having both: a fan and A/C?

Yes. It is one of the most efficient ways to save energy in summer. It allows you to raise the A/C temperature without losing comfort, thus reducing overall consumption.

How much do I save a month by using a fan instead of the A/C?

It depends on usage, but in a typical summer it can mean between €30 and €80 a month, especially if it replaces the A/C during times of lower demand.