Comparing consumption by fans and air conditioning

It's true that these climate control systems are different, and so are their prices and environmental impact. The energy used for cooling spaces has increased over threefold since 1990, resulting in major effects on electric networks, greenhouse gas emissions, and urban heat islands.

We'll explain the differences between the energy consumption of a fan and air conditioning, so you can make an informed decision on which one will be your best bet on hot days.

Electricity and your household budget

It's important to note that an air conditioner uses a lot more energy than a fan. The consumption of the most efficient ones ranges from 500 to 1000 watts per hour (also depending on the performance they deliver at any given moment and the ambient temperature).

Traditional fans, on the other hand, typically use about 50 watts per hour, although this figure can go up for more powerful models. However, these devices do not cool the air, but rather move it about to create airflow and reduce the sensation of heat, so they are not as effective as air conditioning when temperatures are very high.

And how much do they cost to run? To calculate your running costs, you need to multiply the average hourly consumption by the kilowatt value at that moment. While these words are being typed, the current rate per kilowatt-hour established by the Red Eléctrica Española stands at 0.11 euros. Using a 50-watt fan for 2 hours would cost a little over 5 cents a day today.  For a 500-watt air conditioner, it would be 50 cents, and for a 1000-watt one, it would be 1.10 euros.

In addition, it is important to note that purchasing and installing an air conditioning system is more expensive than buying a fan.

Environmental impact

The electricity consumption of these devices results in greenhouse gas emissions, unless the electricity is generated from renewable sources such as solar panels. Greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, where they contribute to climate change.

While refrigeration equipment has become more efficient in recent years, the growing demand has caused a rapid increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, these emissions almost tripled between 1990 and 2022. If nothing changes, it is expected that cooling and air-conditioning emissions will double by 2030 and triple by 2050, as indicated by the the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)..

Which appliance produces the highest amount of greenhouse gases? Air-conditioning units use up a significant amount of energy, resulting in the release of higher levels of CO2 and other harmful gases into the atmosphere. Fans use significantly less energy, thus reducing their environmental footprint.

Efficiency is the key

When the soaring temperatures make it necessary to have an air-conditioning system, it's best to choose the most efficient one available. A report on the UN website highlights the potential to reduce between 210,000 and 460,000 million tons of CO2 emissions over the next four decades by improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration and appliances such as air conditioners.

Investing in more efficient climate control systems could also have financial benefits. Doubling the energy efficiency of these devices by 2050 could save $2.9 billion globally, considering only the reduction in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution costs.

When it comes to your pocket, the savings will vary depending on how you use the device, the current electricity rates, and the temperature. Nonetheless, in most cases, upgrading to a more efficient device leads to substantial savings.

To achieve long-term sustainability, both economically and environmentally, it's best to pair efficient devices with clean, renewable energy sources. 1. Create this sustainable combination with Endesa by signing up for our Flat rate, a renewable, sustainable, and green option.

How does it work? Based on your profile and consumption history, we have calculated your personalised fixed payment, guaranteeing that you pay the same amount each month and only consume 100% sustainable energy.