EC fan vs AC fan: which is more cost-effective long-term?

EC fans cost 2-3x more upfront than equivalent AC fans, but deliver 30-50% energy savings. For 24/7 operation, the payback period is typically 12-18 months. Example calculation for a 100W-equivalent fan running 24/7: - AC fan: 100W × 8760h = 876 kWh/year ≈ $105/year at $0.12/kWh - EC fan: 60W × 8760h = 526 kWh/year ≈ $63/year - Annual savings: $42/year - 3-year TCO: AC = $315 energy + $30 fan = $345 | EC = $189 energy + $90 fan = $279 (20% lower) Additional EC benefits: built-in speed control (no VFD needed), quieter (5-10 dBA less), longer motor life.