When the Australian summer hits, every room in your home can start to feel like an oven. That’s usually the moment you start wondering: should you switch on the AC, or can a ceiling fan do the job just as well? And more importantly, which one is going to keep your power bill under control? In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between ceiling fans and air conditioning, explore their costs, and share smart ways to keep your home cool all summer long.

How ceiling fans and air conditioning work

Fans and air conditioners deliver comfort in very different ways.

Ceiling fans: cooling your body, not the air

A ceiling fan doesn’t reduce the temperature in a room. Instead, it creates airflow that helps sweat evaporate from your skin, making you feel cooler by several degrees. The key point is that fans offer personal cooling, not room cooling.

Air conditioners: cooling the actual room

An air conditioner removes heat and humidity from the indoor air. It actively lowers the temperature of the entire room or house. This makes AC essential when you need long-lasting cooling, humidity management, or precise climate control.

Because these two technologies work differently, each has strengths and limitations, and the smartest approach is often a combination of both.

Is a ceiling fan cheaper to run than air conditioning?

Yes. A ceiling fan is dramatically cheaper to run than an AC.

A typical ceiling fan uses tens of watts, while a split-system air conditioner often uses hundreds to thousands of watts, depending on the setting and room size. Fans use only a fraction of the electricity, making them extremely cost-effective.

Even though exact electricity costs vary across Australian states and providers, the difference in power consumption is consistent:
Fans are significantly cheaper per hour than running AC.

Best value tip

Use a ceiling fan with your AC. The fan helps you feel cooler, allowing you to set the AC temperature a few degrees higher, reducing energy use while maintaining comfort.

When a ceiling fan is “good enough”

Fans shine in situations such as:

• moderate heat where air movement improves comfort
• warm nights where the humidity is low
• homes with good natural ventilation or cross-breezes
• times when you want to cool only the people in the room

A well-positioned fan in a living room or bedroom can create a comfortable environment without needing to turn on the AC.

When you need air conditioning

Air conditioning becomes necessary when:

• Outdoor temperatures are extreme
• The humidity is high, making airflow less effective
• You’re cooling multiple people or large spaces
• Vulnerable individuals (elderly, infants, pets) need stable temperatures
• You require whole-home or multi-room cooling

In high-humidity regions such as northern Queensland, fans alone may not be enough on very hot days.

How to keep your house cool in an Australian summer

Keeping cool is not only about choosing between fans and AC. It’s about combining smart habits, home upgrades, and efficient systems. Here are the most effective strategies.

1. Block the sun before it enters your home

• Close blinds and curtains in the morning, especially on east- and west-facing windows.
• Use external shading such as awnings, verandahs, shade cloths or roller shutters.
• Plant trees or install shade sails for long-term summer protection.

Stopping the sun at the outside is far more effective than fighting the heat once it’s inside.

2. Insulate your roof and seal gaps

Insulation is one of the most powerful ways to maintain cooler indoor temperatures. A well-insulated ceiling prevents heat from radiating down from the roof and reduces the need for AC.

If you’re renovating, upgrading your insulation, roofing materials, or window seals is one of the best long-term improvements you can make for summer comfort.

Check for:

• ceiling insulation upgrade potential
• gaps around doors and windows
• drafts coming from roof spaces or ventilation openings

Many Australian homes, especially older ones, benefit greatly from simple sealing and insulation improvements.

3. Use natural ventilation wisely

Take advantage of early mornings and evenings:

• Open windows on opposite sides of the house for cross-ventilation.
• Flush out hot indoor air at night (night purging).
• Close windows and curtains again before outdoor temperatures rise.

This is especially effective in dry climates where night temperatures drop.

4. Use ceiling fans effectively

• Install fans in bedrooms, living areas and outdoor spaces.
• Run them only when people are in the room.
• Combine them with natural airflow for the best effect.
• Use the summer mode to push air downwards.

A good ceiling fan can make a room feel 2–4°C cooler — without changing the actual temperature.

5. Reduce indoor heat sources

Many household activities generate unnecessary heat:

• using ovens or stoves during the day
• running incandescent lights
• keeping electronics plugged in
• using clothes dryers in daytime heat

Switching to LED lighting, cooking outdoors, and limiting heat-producing appliances can significantly lower indoor temperatures.

6. Optimise your air conditioning use

If you run AC, run it smart:

• Set the thermostat a few degrees higher and use fans to maintain comfort.
• Cool only the rooms you’re using (zoning).
• Clean filters monthly in summer for good airflow.
• Check refrigerant and maintain outdoor units for efficiency.
• Use timers and sleep modes at night.

If your system is older or inefficient, upgrading to an inverter split system can greatly reduce running costs.

When upgrading electrical systems or installing high-efficiency cooling units, it’s wise to work with trusted energy specialists. Many homeowners consult companies like Reds Power Solutions to assess energy consumption, optimise cooling systems, and improve household efficiency.

Small behaviour changes that save big money

• Close doors to unused rooms.
• Pre-cool the house early if a heatwave is predicted.
• Don’t cool empty rooms; fans and AC should serve people, not spaces.
• Use AC sparingly and rely on fans for longer periods.

These small habits add up to lower power bills across the entire summer.

Choosing the right equipment for Australian homes

Ceiling fans

• Pick the right size for the room (larger rooms need larger blades).
• Choose efficient motors and curved blade designs.
• Install at the recommended height for optimal airflow.

Air conditioners

• Size the unit correctly, too small and it struggles, too large and it cycles inefficiently.
• Choose models with high energy star ratings.
• Consider multi-split or ducted systems for larger houses.

Good equipment and correct installation can reduce power consumption dramatically.

Quick guide: fan vs AC

• For low-cost comfort: ceiling fan
• For whole-room cooling: air conditioner
• For the best balance of comfort + efficiency: AC + ceiling fan together
• For extreme heat or high humidity, an air conditioner is essential

Fans feel cool. AC makes the room cool. Together, they’re a powerful and cost-effective pair.

Conclusion

Ceiling fans and air conditioning are not competitors; they’re tools for different jobs. Fans are extremely efficient and ideal for everyday comfort, while AC provides the heavy lifting during extreme heat. The smartest Australian summer strategy is a layered approach: block heat, use ventilation, run ceiling fans, and switch on AC only when you truly need it. Pairing these steps with energy-efficient choices and expert guidance from providers like Reds Power Solutions when needed helps keep your home cooler, your family comfortable, and your electricity bills under control.