Cooling cost comparison · UK energy estimate

Fan vs Portable Air Conditioner Running Cost

Compare the UK running cost of a fan and portable air conditioner using your own electricity tariff.

Published and reviewed 18 July 2026 · By CalcBeast · Estimates run in your browser

Compare your own tariff

Cost comparison

Electricity price p/kWh

Default: 26.11p/kWh, 1 July 2026–30 September 2026. This is an Ofgem average; your region, tariff and payment method can differ. View Ofgem's price-cap rates.

Desk fanTypical medium-speed use

Per use—

30 days—

Tower fanTypical medium-speed use

Per use—

30 days—

Portable air conditionerTypical 9,000 BTU input

Per use—

30 days—

Transparent formula

How the estimate works

(watts ÷ 1,000) × hours × your unit rate

For the monthly figure, the calculator repeats that use for 30 days. Change the tariff above to use the rate from your bill.

Worked example

What that means in practice

At the default tariff, an 1,000W portable unit used for eight hours costs roughly twenty-two times as much to run as a 45W desk fan for the same time.

Before you compare

Assumptions and limitations

Fans move air but do not lower room temperature.
Portable air conditioner input varies with BTU rating, room heat and compressor cycling.
The comparison uses eight hours of use each day; edit the tariff to match your bill.

Power draw can vary with a thermostat, mode, room conditions and appliance model. This is a running-cost estimate, not a performance or safety recommendation.