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How Much Does It Cost to Run a Portable Fan (Box or Pedestal) in Canada? (2026)
Box fans and pedestal fans are among the cheapest ways to feel cooler. A typical 40 to 50 watt fan running all evening costs less than a single cup of coffee per month.
A typical portable fan (box or pedestal) (50 W) costs C$0.007 per hour, or about C$1.68 per month at 8 hours a day in Canada (average). Cheap to run
| Wattage | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low (20 W) | C$0.003 | C$0.022 | C$0.67 | C$8.18 |
| Typical (50 W) | C$0.007 | C$0.056 | C$1.68 | C$20.44 |
| High (100 W) | C$0.014 | C$0.11 | C$3.36 | C$40.88 |
Formula: watts ÷ 1000 × hours × price per kWh. Typical use is 8 h/day ≈ 146 kWh per year.
In Canada, with electricity at C$0.14 per kWh (source: Canada Energy Regulator 2026 market snapshot, 2026-06), a typical portable fan (box or pedestal) costs C$0.007 per hour and about C$20.44 per year at 8 hours a day. Each C$1.00 of electricity buys roughly 142.9 hours of use.
How to lower the cost of running a portable fan (box or pedestal)
- Point a fan out of a window at night to push hot air out and pull cooler air in.
- Use the lowest speed that keeps you comfortable. High speed can double the draw.
- Turn it off when leaving the room. Fans cool people, not spaces.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a fan all night?
A 50 watt fan for 8 hours uses 0.4 kWh, a few cents in most regions.
Is a tower fan more efficient than a box fan?
Box fans generally move more air per watt. Tower fans are quieter and take less floor space.
Does a fan use more electricity than a ceiling fan?
Similar. Both sit in the 15 to 100 watt range depending on size and speed.
Compare with
Cost by region
- United States (average)
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- New York
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- Canada (average)
- United Kingdom
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- Australia
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