The 8 Best Energy-Efficient Ceiling Fans (2024)

Updated August 23, 2022

The 60-inch Monte Carlo Maverick is visually appealing, versatile, and extremely energy efficient, making our overall top pick. Its contemporary, yet elegant design features rounded, hand-carved balsa wood blades that will accent any room—from living areas to bedrooms.

Plus, it’s damp-rated for use in covered outdoor areas and comes in six different finish options such as dark walnut, aged pewter, or grey weathered oak. A 13-degree blade pitch is designed for optimal air flow, delivering an impressive 246 cubic feet per minute (CFM) per watt (on high speed) and costing an average of $6 per year to operate. The fan also comes with a remote, six different speed settings, and reverse flow for winter operation.

Many ceiling fans are designed for indoor use only, but the Matthews Irene Outdoor is damp-rated to withstand the elements, making this hugger (flush mount) fan ideal for covered porches (but not in saltwater locations).

The minimalist design has a cylindrical DC motor housing and customizable finishes like brass, bronze, and nickel, with blades available in barn wood, matte black, matte white, and walnut. On high speed, the 42-inch fan has an airflow rate of 213 CFM/watt and is extremely quiet. It has six speeds, reverse, and comes with both a wall controller and a remote.

Specializing in decorative lighting and fans, the Minka Group’s 60-inch, three-blade, Sleek model ceiling fan is a subtle addition to any room. Unlike many lighted fans that have a large light fixture hanging below the center, the 16-watt, LED light on the Sleek model is non-obtrusive, and gives the fan a retro yet modern look.

The fan pairs with smart home technology like Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Nest, and Ecobee. Fan speeds and lights can all be controlled with a free downloadable app (or the included remote control), making it easy to save on energy. The Minka Aire Sleek is Energy Star rated, has an airflow rate of 206 CFM/watt, and costs just $5 annually to run (excluding the light).

Rated Energy Star’s most efficient in 2020, the Aeratron AE2+ has an impressive efficiency rate of 390 CFM/watt (high speed) or 571 at low speed. A Swiss-engineered self-balancing system keeps the fan from wobbling, and the snazzy winglet design uses up to 80% less energy than a conventional ceiling fan.

When using the reverse airflow during the winter, the AE2+ can help reduce the energy consumption of heating systems by 50%. At low power, the fan uses just four watts per hour, roughly the same as a charging cell phone. This low-profile fan hangs about 12 inches from the ceiling and is available in three different blade sizes.

With more than 75 international awards including Energy Star’s most efficient rating for 2020, the Haiku fan is a worthy splurge that will enhance your home or office. The 52-inch, tri-blade fan features the company’s SenseMe environmental sensors, mobile app control, and voice integration.

It’s compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant and can be combined with UV-C ultraviolet technologies to disinfect the air (additional cost applies for the UV-C package). The LED light kit has 16 brightness settings, plus the fan has seven speeds, a sleep mode, natural breeze mode, eco option, and timer.

When adding a ceiling fan to the bathroom, a ventilation fan is the best way to prevent humidity and mildew build up, and the Panasonic WhisperValue is both quiet and energy efficient. Delivering just 0.3 sones (the sound of a refrigerator running is about equal to one sone), the Panasonic is an ultra-quiet option that’s Energy Star rated with a DC motor. Built into the fan are an LED light and condensation sensor to control bathroom moisture.

As a company, Panasonic has a number of sustainable initiatives in place ranging from water conservation to greenhouse gas reduction.

For an affordable, efficient ceiling fan that’s a great match for the living room, consider the Hampton Bay Wellton. The homey yet modern fan also features a quiet DC motor and is Energy Star rated. The 54-inch fan has five espresso-shaded blades and three lights to deliver a classic look.

The Wellton has an airflow efficiency of 171 CFM/watt and costs about $5 per year to run (excluding lights). It can be installed on standard, sloped, and flush mount applications, but is not ideal for outdoor use. This fan uses a traditional pull cord as the control system (no remotes or wall mounts).

Established more than 30 years ago, Fanimation continues to develop innovative, efficient fans, and now has more than 35 Energy Star rated models. That includes the GlideAir FPD8520, which is a great choice for a master bedroom. This 52-inch tri-blade fan fits lower bedroom ceilings with a 4.5-inch rod, yet the medium-sized blades provide ample air that won’t overpower the room.

The modern design comes in black or nickel blades and finishes, plus the fan is compatible with Bluetooth. The GlideAir has a staggering 16 motor speeds and a timer setting on the remote. It uses 218 CFM/watt and can be used in damp or dry locations.

Final Verdict

If you want a versatile fan that stands out in any room, the Monte Carlo Maverick is our top pick. For a more affordable option that’s also Energy Star rated, the Hampton Bay Wellton is a solid choice for living rooms, dens, and other indoor gathering areas.

The 7 Best LED Light Bulbs