Are your ceiling fans costing you a lot?

Ceiling fans are a common feature in many Australian homes, especially in warmer states like Queensland, New South Wales, and Western Australia. They’re often seen as a low-cost way to keep cool during the summer months without running up the electricity bill like air conditioners might.

But are they as energy efficient as we think? And could they still be sneaking a little more out of your energy budget than you'd like?

Let’s take a closer look at how ceiling fans affect your energy usage and what you can do to keep your cooling costs low.

Are ceiling fans big eaters of your energy?

Compared to air conditioners, ceiling fans are relatively efficient. On average, a standard ceiling fan uses between 15 and 90 watts per hour, depending on the speed setting and the motor's efficiency. That translates to roughly 2 to 15 cents per hour to run - quite affordable, especially when compared to air conditioners, which can use over 2,000 watts per hour.

However, if you have multiple fans running across several rooms for hours every day, that cost can add up over time. Especially if your energy plan is on the expensive side, those seemingly small costs could turn into a surprisingly big slice of your quarterly energy bill.

Other factors that influence energy use include:

  • Outdated fan models: Older fans can be less efficient and use more energy.
  • Fan placement: Poorly placed fans can circulate warm air rather than cool, causing you to run them longer.
  • Unnecessary usage: Leaving fans on in unoccupied rooms is a common habit that wastes energy.

What can i do to reduce my energy costs caused by ceiling fan use?

Here are some practical tips to keep your fan-related energy costs to a minimum:

1. Use the right speed setting

For milder weather, use a lower fan speed. Only use high-speed settings during peak heat hours.

2. Turn them off when not in use

Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. If you're not in the room, switch the fan off - it won't make a difference to the room temperature.

3. Install energy-efficient models

Look for ceiling fans with energy-efficient motors and the Energy Star label (or similar Australian energy ratings). These models use less power while delivering strong airflow.

4. Use timers or smart controls

Automated timers or smart plugs can ensure your fan doesn’t run longer than necessary - perfect for overnight use or rooms that aren't always occupied.

5. Complement your fan with natural cooling

Open windows in the evening to let in cooler air, and close blinds during the day to keep heat out. Using a fan alongside these strategies can reduce the need for constant operation.

Pros and cons of using ceiling fans

Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks of ceiling fans when it comes to energy and comfort:

Pros:

  • Energy-efficient cooling compared to air conditioners
  • Lower upfront and running costs
  • Environmentally friendly - smaller carbon footprint
  • Versatile design options for indoor and outdoor areas

Cons:

  • Not effective in extreme heat - they don’t lower air temperature, only circulate it
  • Can become inefficient if overused or used in empty rooms
  • Older models may consume more power than expected

Benefits of switching to a cheaper energy provider

Even if you’re doing everything right with your ceiling fan usage, a high electricity rate can still lead to elevated bills. One of the easiest and most impactful ways to save on energy costs is by switching to a cheaper electricity provider.

Why consider switching?

  • Lower usage rates mean cheaper fan operation over time
  • Better plan features like time-of-use discounts or solar feed-in tariffs
  • Special offers or rewards for new customers
  • No interruption to your power supply during the switch

With hundreds of energy plans available across Australia, it can be overwhelming to find the best one. That’s where a free energy comparison service like Compare Energy can help.

Ready to start saving?

Ceiling fans are still a cost-effective cooling option - but only if you’re on the right energy plan and using them efficiently. Don’t let small appliances chip away at your budget unnoticed.

Call Compare Energy on 1300 790 106 today to get expert help finding a cheaper energy provider. A quick call could mean big savings on your next electricity bill.