Ceiling Fan Energy Savings Calculator
Compare AC vs DC motor ceiling fan operating costs. See the annual savings, 10-year savings, and payback period at your usage level and electricity rate.
Typical: 60–90W
Typical: 20–35W
Bedroom: 8-10 hr typical
Seasonal use: 90-150 days
US avg: $0.13/kWh
Extra cost vs AC fan
DC vs AC Motor: What the Numbers Actually Mean
A standard AC induction motor ceiling fan draws 60 to 90 watts. A DC brushless motor fan draws 18 to 35 watts. At 8 hours per day, 200 days per year, and $0.13/kWh, this difference translates to $12 to $18 per year per fan in electricity savings.
Over the typical 15 to 20 year lifespan of a quality ceiling fan, DC motors save $180 to $360 per fan in electricity. For a home with four ceiling fans running regularly, that is $720 to $1,440 over the life of the equipment.
Beyond energy savings: DC motors are quieter at all speeds, offer more precise speed control (typically 10+ settings vs. 3), run cooler, and last longer. The premium at retail is typically $40 to $80 over an equivalent AC model. For a bedroom fan running 8+ hours per night, payback on that premium occurs in under 3 years.