Do Kitchen Extractor Fans Use a Lot of Electricity?

When designing or upgrading a kitchen, one of the questions homeowners often ask is, do kitchen extractor fans use a lot of electricity? Extractor fans are essential for maintaining air quality in your kitchen by removing smoke, grease, and odors. However, concerns about energy consumption and electricity costs often arise, especially for those who use these fans regularly.

In this blog, we will explore how much electricity kitchen extractor fans use, what factors affect their energy consumption, and how you can ensure energy-efficient usage.

How Much Electricity Do Kitchen Extractor Fans Use?

The amount of electricity a kitchen extractor fan uses depends on several factors, including its size, power rating, and frequency of use. On average, most kitchen extractor fans have a wattage ranging from 70 to 300 watts, which means they typically consume much less electricity compared to larger kitchen appliances like refrigerators or ovens.

To put it into perspective:

A 70-watt fan running for one hour consumes 0.07 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
A 300-watt fan running for one hour consumes 0.3 kWh.

Given that extractor fans are typically only used for short periods during cooking, their overall impact on your electricity bill is relatively small. If you use the fan for around 1-2 hours per day, the total electricity consumption will likely be minimal.

Factors That Affect Energy Consumption

While the basic wattage of an extractor fan gives an indication of energy use, other factors play a role in determining do kitchen extractor fans use a lot of electricity.

Fan Speed Settings

Many kitchen extractor fans come with variable speed settings. Using the fan at higher speeds will increase electricity consumption, as the fan motor works harder to expel air. For everyday cooking tasks, using the lower settings can help reduce energy use without sacrificing performance.

Type of Extractor Fan

There are two main types of kitchen extractor fans: ducted and recirculating.

Ducted fans, which vent air outside, are generally more powerful and may consume more electricity due to the extra work required to move air through ducts.
Recirculating fans filter and recirculate the air back into the kitchen, often using less electricity since they don’t need to expel air outdoors.

Size of the Kitchen

The size of your kitchen and the amount of air that needs to be filtered can also affect energy consumption. Larger kitchens require more powerful extractor fans, which may result in slightly higher electricity usage.

How Often You Use the Fan?

Naturally, the more frequently you use your kitchen extractor fan, the more electricity it will consume. If you cook meals daily and use the fan for extended periods, this can add to your energy consumption. However, for most households, the usage is moderate, meaning energy costs remain low.

Also Read – How to Prevent Electric Shock in the Kitchen?

Do Kitchen Extractor Fans Use a Lot of Electricity Compared to Other Appliances?

To answer the question, do kitchen extractor fans use a lot of electricity, it’s helpful to compare them with other kitchen appliances.

Low Consumption Compared to Other Appliances:

Ovens: A standard oven uses around 2,000 to 5,000 watts of power, significantly more than a kitchen extractor fan. If you use your oven for an hour, it can consume up to 5 kWh, much higher than the 0.3 kWh consumed by a 300-watt fan.
Refrigerators: A typical refrigerator runs continuously, consuming about 1 to 2 kWh per day. Even with regular use, an extractor fan’s consumption pales in comparison.
Microwaves and Dishwashers: Both microwaves and dishwashers use around 1,000 to 2,000 watts when in operation, meaning their energy use during one hour is far greater than that of an extractor fan.

Therefore, when compared to these appliances, extractor fans are considered low energy users, making them a minor contributor to your overall electricity bill.

Energy Efficiency Tips for Using Kitchen Extractor Fans

Even though kitchen extractor fans don’t use a significant amount of electricity, you can still optimize their efficiency by following a few simple tips.

Use the Right Speed Setting

As mentioned earlier, higher speed settings consume more electricity. For everyday cooking tasks, such as boiling or frying, using a lower speed setting is sufficient to remove odors and smoke without wasting energy.

Turn the Fan Off When Not in Use

While this may seem obvious, some people leave their extractor fans running longer than necessary. Turn the fan off once you’ve finished cooking, or consider using a timer to ensure it doesn’t run for extended periods.

Clean Filters Regularly

Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your kitchen extractor fan, causing it to work harder and use more electricity. Clean or replace filters regularly to ensure optimal performance and energy efficiency.

Choose Energy-Efficient Models

If you’re in the market for a new kitchen extractor fan, look for energy-efficient models that are rated for low energy consumption. Many modern fans are designed with energy-saving features, such as LED lighting and eco-friendly motors, which help reduce electricity use without compromising functionality.

How to Calculate the Cost of Running an Extractor Fan?

If you’re concerned about the cost of running an extractor fan, you can easily calculate the estimated cost based on its wattage and your local electricity rate.

Here’s a quick formula:

Multiply the fan’s wattage by the number of hours you use it per day.
Divide by 1,000 to convert watts into kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Multiply by your local electricity rate (typically in cents or pence per kWh) to get the daily running cost.

For example, if you have a 200-watt extractor fan and use it for 2 hours per day:

200 watts x 2 hours = 400 watt-hours = 0.4 kWh
If your electricity rate is $0.12 per kWh, the daily cost would be 0.4 kWh x $0.12 = $0.048 per day, or roughly $1.44 per month.

This shows that kitchen extractor fans are relatively low-cost appliances in terms of electricity consumption.

Conclusion

So, do kitchen extractor fans use a lot of electricity? The answer is no. Most kitchen extractor fans are designed to be energy-efficient and consume relatively little electricity compared to other kitchen appliances. With average usage, they won’t have a significant impact on your electricity bill.

However, you can optimize their efficiency by using lower speed settings, cleaning the filters regularly, and turning them off when not needed. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your kitchen remains fresh and free from smoke and odors without driving up your energy costs.