What a ceiling fan costs to run in each state
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $3.61 | $43 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $4.08 | $49 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $4.12 | $49 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $4.63 | $56 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $4.84 | $58 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $4.86 | $58 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $5.40 | $65 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $6.12 | $73 |
DC, standard and pedestal fans
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC motor ceiling fan | 30 W | 1c | $29 |
| Standard ceiling fan | 60 W | 2c | $58 |
| Pedestal fan | 50 W | 2c | $48 |
DC motor ceiling fans use noticeably less power than older AC motor fans, especially on low and medium speeds, and are usually quieter. A pedestal fan sits between the two. On any of them, the speed setting matters: low speed draws a fraction of the high speed figure.
Fan or air conditioner?
A medium split system drawing 1.5 kW costs about 50c an hour on the same rate, roughly 25 times as much as a standard ceiling fan. On mild and dry days a fan is often all you need. On hot, humid days, using a fan with the air conditioner lets you set the thermostat a couple of degrees higher and still feel comfortable, which cuts the air conditioner's running cost. Our fan vs air conditioner guide works through the numbers.
Getting the most from a fan
Set the direction
In summer the blades should push air down. Many ceiling fans have a winter setting that runs them in reverse at low speed to push warm air off the ceiling, which the SA Government recommends.
Pair it with open windows at night
When it is cooler outside, a fan near an open window pulls in the cool air at almost no cost.
Use the lowest speed that works
Power use falls sharply on lower speeds.
Buying a new ceiling fan
Look for a DC motor and a light that uses LEDs. Check the rated power in watts at each speed in the specifications before you buy.
Questions about ceiling fan running costs
Around 2c an hour for a standard 60 W fan on the Ausgrid reference rate, and about 1c for a 30 W DC motor fan. energy.gov.au estimates fans cost around 2c an hour.
A fan, by a wide margin. A medium split system drawing 1.5 kW costs about 50c an hour on the same rate. Using a fan alongside air conditioning also lets you set the thermostat higher.
It costs little. Eight hours at 60 W uses about 0.5 kWh, or roughly 16c a night on the Ausgrid reference rate. Use a low speed and a timer if your fan has one.
They use less power than AC motor fans, especially on lower speeds, so they cost less each hour. The saving per year is small in dollars, but DC fans are also quieter and often offer more speed settings.
Yes, on a low speed in reverse if your fan has a winter setting. It pushes warm air down from the ceiling, which the SA Government recommends as a way to make heating more effective.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.