Ceiling fans are a common source of residential electricity consumption, especially in warm climates. In this paper, we analyze the cost-benefits of increasing the efficiency of ceiling fans and evaluate the global potential for electricity savings and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Our results show that a 50% improvement in fan efficiency could save around 70 terawatt hours of electricity annually, and could save over 25 million metric tons of CO2-e per year.
The cost of running a ceiling fan depends on how many hours it operates each day. For a three-hour day, a ceiling fan that uses 640 watts will cost 81 kWh. This cost is lower than the average global electricity tariff for three-hour days. However, it should be noted that this cost will vary based on your electricity tariff.
Another factor that affects ceiling fan power consumption is the weight of the fan. As a rule of thumb, ceiling fans that weigh more than 900 mm have a lower power consumption. However, if you replace your ceiling fan with a heavier model, the additional weight will increase the strain on the motor, which will require more power.
Choosing a ceiling fan based on airflow will help you make an informed decision. If you are looking for a ceiling fan for a small room, it’s best to choose a smaller model with higher airflow. Smaller models require about half the power of a large ceiling fan on high.