When a heatwave hits, the warmth can sneak inside your home no matter how many windows you keep shut during the day. It often feels like the heater is blasting on full power, but itโs actually the summer heat trapped indoors, thanks to insulation doing double duty: keeping cold air out in winter, but holding heat in when the sun is blazing.
Sleeping comfortably during these hot spells can become quite a challenge. Thatโs when your trusty fan or air conditioner becomes a nighttime lifesaver. Both provide welcome relief, but they come with an energy cost. So, what does that translate to in dollars? And which option is easier on your wallet?
How much does running a fan all night cost?
A fan doesnโt cool the air like an air conditioner, but it gets the air moving, helping fresh air flow and creating a refreshing breeze. That makes a big difference during sticky summer nights. For example, a quiet tower fan might cost very little to operate without interrupting your sleep or draining your savings.
According to energy experts, a fan running for 110 hours uses about 5.5 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. That breaks down to roughly 0.05 kWh per hour. For a typical 8-hour night, youโd use about 0.4 kWh.
Depending on where you live and your electricity rate, the cost varies. At an average rate of 25 cents per kWh, running a fan all night costs around 10 cents per night. Of course, if your electricity rates are higher, so will your costs.
One thing to remember: donโt make the common mistake of misusing your fan in a way that actually makes you feel hotter. That little tip alone can save you from tossing and turning all night long.
Air conditioner running costs for overnight cooling
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If youโre watching your budget and want to stay eco-friendly, a fan usually wins. Air conditioners, on the other hand, can be energy-hungry machines. The exact amount of electricity they use depends heavily on the type of air conditioner.
A small, single-split air conditioner uses about 0.75 kWh per hour. Over a full night of 8 hours, thatโs roughly 6 kWh. At an average electricity cost of 25 cents per kWh, this adds up to about $1.50 per night.
If you own a mobile air conditioner, which is more common in apartments or smaller spaces, the usage jumps to about 1 kWh per hour, or 8 kWh per night. Thatโs about $2 each night just to run the unit.
Larger multi-split systems cool multiple rooms but come at a higher energy expenseโaround 1.65 kWh per hour, totaling approximately 13.2 kWh over 8 hours. Thatโs close to $3.30 every night. The big upside? You can keep several rooms comfortably cool with one system, which might balance out the cost if you have a big home.
Choosing between fans and air conditioners for cost-effective cooling
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If I think back to a summer I spent in a small studio apartment, my fan was my best friend during hot nights. The low cost and gentle breeze were all I needed to fall asleep peacefully. However, there were nights so humid and hot that no amount of wind could soothe me, and thatโs when the air conditioner became my go-to, despite the higher energy bill.
The decision often comes down to your personal comfort needs, budget, and how large the space is youโre trying to cool. Fans clearly save you money and use less electricity, making them sustainable and wallet-friendly for single rooms or smaller spaces. Air conditioners provide deeper cooling but will increase your energy billsโsometimes quite significantly.
Who else has had to weigh the cost of keeping cool through a relentless heatwave? Have you found any clever tricks to save on your energy bill while staying comfortable? Share your stories and tips below. Your experience might just help someone else facing a hot, sleepless night.
When I was a kid living in South Carolina until I was 30 we did not have AC in the house or any of our new cars. We lived with fans and the windows open. When I moved out and my brother moved out we didnโt have AC in houses either. Now I live in AZ. 40 years now. We did use swamp cooler when the weather allow April- June. Now only AC. Power bill can be 250.00-600.00 a month. July-Nov. Donโt come to AZ. In the summer.
What about HVAC Systems? What’s the cost for running in the summer months? Can you brak it down in cost per hour like you did for others? I live in New England and installed a new HVAC with the understanding it would be cost effective. Live in a 3 bedroom Condo, 1,700 sq ft.
Eversource electric company is charging around $11/kwh.
11 dollars?don’t you mean 11 cents???