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What air conditioners and fans cost to run

A fan moves air across you; an air conditioner moves heat out of the room. That is why a fan costs a fraction of an air conditioner to run, and why the two are not interchangeable in a heatwave.

Side by side

Cooling: typical power and running cost
ApplianceTypical powerAn hourA year, typical use
Window air conditioner666.7 W17.5p£219.59
Window fan152.5 W4.01p£66.97
Ceiling fan17.3 W0.46p£7.09

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Electricity

Default Ofgem, 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026.

Default Ofgem, 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026.

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Default Ofgem, 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026.

Default Ofgem, 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2026.