What is the difference between AC and DC fans?
DC stands for direct current and AC stands for alternating current. The names describe the type of electricity the motor runs on. Residential properties are supplied with AC power, which is why ceiling fans have traditionally featured AC motors: the motor simply runs straight off the mains.
A DC fan still connects to the same 240V household supply, but it contains a small built-in converter that changes AC into DC before it reaches the motor. A DC motor uses permanent magnets and electronic control rather than the copper windings of an AC induction motor. This is the reason it can spin at precisely controlled speeds while drawing very little power.
Although AC fans are cheaper to manufacture, they are less energy-efficient than DC fans. The difference shows up on the power bill every month for the life of the fan.
Quiet, low-cost cooling for bedrooms
Purchasing a DC fan for a bedroom gives you extremely quiet cooling at the lowest running cost. A DC fan can be up to 8 times cheaper to run than an AC fan and up to 50 times cheaper than ducted air conditioning. The only noise is the sound of the airflow. There are no buzzing motors, which softens the external noise of your environment and contributes to better sleep and health.
Comparison between AC fans and DC fans
- Running cost: AC fans are up to 85% more expensive to run. A 35W DC fan can produce the same airflow as a 60W AC fan. The AC fan will always draw 60 watts, whereas a DC fan will draw as low as 7W on the lower setting, which is the setting used most frequently, saving up to 88% in running costs.
- Noise: AC fan motors are noisy. At night in a bedroom you will hear the motor hum, whereas a DC fan has no motor noise.
- Installation: AC fans need in-wall controllers, which are more expensive to install. DC fans can be connected to normal wall switches, with speed and direction handled by the remote.
- Speed options: AC fans have limited speed options, normally 3. DC fans have 6 speed options on the remote, as well as a reversible option for winter.
- Lifespan: AC fans do not last as long as DC fans, which have warranties of 6 years.
Advantages of DC fans
- Much cheaper to run
- Cheaper and quicker to install
- Quiet motor
- More fan speed options
- Reversible fan for winter
- Long lifespan, backed by a 6 year warranty
The reverse function deserves a mention. In summer the fan pushes air downwards to create a cooling breeze on your skin. In winter, running the fan in reverse at low speed gently pulls air upwards and pushes the warm air that collects at the ceiling back down the walls, so a heated room feels more even without the draught.
Choosing the right DC ceiling fan
Greenhse Technologies has a large range of DC ceiling fans in Perth in different styles and colours. Aesthetics and personal choice seem to be the biggest influence when selecting a fan. However, wind flow rate and ceiling height are the most important factors.
- Airflow: match the fan size and airflow rating to the room. A large living area or alfresco needs a bigger blade span and higher airflow than a small bedroom.
- Ceiling height: blades need clearance above the floor to work safely and effectively. We have fans with very low depth for low ceilings, so a standard-height room still gets good airflow.
- Integrated light: we stock fans with 24-watt high brightness lights to suit a single room without compromise, dimmable and colour selectable with the remote, so the fan can replace the room's main light.
- Smart control: full smart fans can be run from your phone or by voice, and scheduled to switch off after you fall asleep.
Whichever model you choose, the electrical connection must be carried out by a licensed electrician. Because a DC fan wires to a normal wall switch and does not need an in-wall controller, that job is usually quick and inexpensive.
The logical choice for modern homes
Thanks for reading our blog. We hope you now understand why DC fans are the more logical choice for modern homes today: lower running costs, silent operation, six speeds, a winter reverse mode and a 6 year warranty. To see the range and feel the airflow for yourself, visit Greenhse Technologies at 5/1 Locke Lane, Ellenbrook WA 6069, or phone (08) 9297 2969 and our Perth team will help you pick the right fan for each room.
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