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Aircon vs Electric Fan: Which One is Cheaper to Use?

3 Mins read

At first thought, we can easily say that using electric fan is cheaper. However, this may not be the case at all times because it will depend on your needs. We’re Teko.ph, the largest aircon and appliance services provider in the Philippines, and we’re here to let you in on a comparison between aircon vs electric fan. Which one’s better, really?

Here’s the short answer: an electric fan costs 70-80% less compared to even the cheapest aircon models out there, and it consumes only about 5% of the energy an AC typically does by the hour. 

Aircon vs Electric Fan: Cost to Acquire

As previously stated, an electric fan is far less expensive than even the most basic air conditioner. You can buy an electric fan in the Philippines for less than Php 1,000. When you browse in ConcepStore, you can find aircon units in a wide range of prices starting at Php 13,000.

So, if we’re strictly talking about the cost of ownership, electric fans are the clear winner.

Aircon vs Electric Fan: Electricity Consumption

In general, electric fans consume significantly less electricity compared to air conditioners. The amount of electricity an electric fan consumes depends on factors such as its size, speed setting, and usage time. On the other hand, air conditioners consume a lot of electricity to run compressors and pumps to cool the air. Inverter aircons, though, consume less energy compared to non-inverter aircons as their variable speed compressors can adjust the cooling output according to the temperature.

To estimate how much it costs you to use your aircon at home, you may use our aircon & appliance electricity consumption tool here. Don’t miss the expert tips to help lower your electric bills in the next months!

Aircon vs Electric Fan: Maintenance Cost

Electric fans are easy to clean, maintain, or maybe even repair because their mechanism is relatively more basic. The same cannot be said for air conditioners. While you can handle some aircon maintenance on your own, the more complex nature of this appliance will urge you to hire an aircon specialist instead, which of course, isn’t free.

Aircon vs. Electric Fan: Cooling Efficiency

We all know an electric fan is less expensive than an air conditioner in terms of upfront and running expenses. But aircons are generally more efficient than electric fans when it comes to cooling a room. This is because air conditioners are designed to remove heat and humidity from the air, while electric fans circulate the air.

While aircons are more efficient at cooling a room, they also use more energy and can be more expensive to buy and operate. If you’re leaning toward buying an aircon, you can save more time and money with this all-inclusive aircon package deal. Teko partnered exclusively with ConcepStore, the official online shop of the two Best Aircon Brands in the Philippines: Carrier and Condura. With your new aircon purchase, you will also get 1-year extended warranty, next-day delivery within Metro Manila, next-day standard installation—all for FREE!

ConcepStore-Teko-split-type-and-window-type-aircon-sale

Conclusion

There’s no disputing that buying and operating an electric fan is the more cost-effective alternative. However, when summer arrives, the tried-and-true spinning machine we’ve all come to rely on may not be up to the task.

So which one should you get? If the budget does not allow you to buy and use an aircon, by all means, stick to the electric fan. Considering the effects of a constantly humid atmosphere on your mood, health, and overall well-being, it may be time to invest in an air conditioner. So get an aircon if you can afford it.

Having said that, it’s difficult to overlook the cost of using an air conditioner. So here’s some advice: if you can, own both! Use a fan at times of bearable heat and humidity to circulate the air around the room. Only when you find it’s no longer doing its job should you turn up the air conditioning. This way, you can enjoy the best of both worlds without the ridiculous impact on your electric bill.

For more energy-saving tips or troubleshooting tips in case your electric fans or aircon needs repair, ask our AI Tech, Alex! You can get 24/7 expert support for your aircons, major home appliances, and electronics through our artificial intelligence (AI) technician.