Determining the expense of continuous fan operation involves calculating the power consumption of the specific fan and the local cost of electricity. For example, a typical box fan might consume 50 watts. Operating this fan continuously for 24 hours consumes 1.2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity (50 watts 24 hours / 1000 watts/kWh). If the local electricity cost is $0.15 per kWh, then running the fan continuously for a day would cost approximately $0.18 (1.2 kWh $0.15/kWh).
Understanding energy consumption related to cooling appliances provides consumers with valuable information for managing household budgets and making informed decisions about energy efficiency. Historically, electricity costs have fluctuated significantly, making awareness of appliance energy usage increasingly important. The ability to calculate running costs allows consumers to compare different cooling solutions, optimize energy usage, and ultimately reduce their environmental impact.