When the temperature rises, many UK households face the same question: Should I use a fan or a portable air conditioner? While both help you stay comfortable, they work in very different ways and so do their running costs.

In this guide, we’ll compare the running costs of fans and portable air conditioners, explain why they differ, and help you decide which option offers the best value for your home.

How Do Fans and Air Conditioners Work?

Before comparing costs, it’s important to understand the difference.

A fan doesn’t actually cool the air. Instead, it circulates air around the room, helping sweat evaporate from your skin and making you feel cooler.

A portable air conditioner, on the other hand, actively removes heat from the room and expels warm air outside through an exhaust hose. This lowers the room’s actual temperature, making it the best option during prolonged hot weather.

Fan Running Costs

One of the biggest advantages of using a fan is its low energy consumption.

Typical power usage:

• Desk fan: 20–40 watts
• Air circulator: 30–50 watts
• Tower fan: 35–60 watts
• Pedestal fan: 40–75 watts

For example, a 50W fan running for eight hours uses just:

0.4 kWh

At an electricity price of 30p per kWh, that’s approximately:

12p per day

Even if you use your fan every day throughout summer, it may only add a few pounds to your monthly electricity bill.

If you’re looking for an energy-efficient cooling solution, the Meaco Sefte Pro Cordless Desktop Air Circulator is ideal for bedrooms, home offices and desks. Its quiet operation, cordless design and powerful airflow make it perfect for everyday use.