250-Watt vs 1,500-Watt Whole-house Fan: Running Cost Compared
A 1,500-watt whole-house fan costs $19.69 more per month than a 250-watt whole-house fan ($239.53 per year), assuming 3 hours a day at $0.175/kWh. Per hour the difference is $0.219.
Side by side
| 250-watt Whole-house Fan | 1,500-watt Whole-house Fan | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 250 W | 1,500 W |
| Hours per day | 3 | 3 |
| Cost per hour | $0.044 | $0.263 |
| Cost per day | $0.131 | $0.788 |
| Cost per week | $0.919 | $5.51 |
| Cost per month | $3.94 | $23.63 |
| Cost per year | $47.91 | $287.44 |
| Energy per year | 274 kWh | 1,643 kWh |
Based on $0.175 per kWh (US average).
Which should you choose?
Higher wattage does not always mean more heat or output per dollar, and it does not always mean it runs longer. A bigger unit may reach the target temperature faster and then cycle off. Compare size to your room or job before you decide.
Want your own numbers? Open either calculator and enter your hours and rate: 250-watt Whole-house Fan or 1,500-watt Whole-house Fan.