DC Ceiling Fans vs AC – Which Ceiling Fan Is Best? Universal Fans » DC Ceiling Fans vs AC – Which Ceiling Fan Is Best? DC Ceiling Fans vs AC Ceiling Fans: Which ceiling fan is best? Recently, there has been a number of DC ceilings fans introduced to the Australian ceiling fans market. As a general rule, DC ceiling fans usually use less energy than other ceiling fans. However, many people are asking what ‘DC’ fans actually are, what advantages DC motor ceiling fans have, and whether DC ceiling fans will really help them save energy, and in turn, save money. There are two types of electric motors general, AC (Alternating Current), which is electrical current which reverses direction and DC (Direct Current), which, as its name suggests, electrical current which only flows in one direction. Most ceiling fans, as well as most household appliances, use AC motors, as AC is the type of current distributed by power companies. AC motors function by being connected directly to a power source.

This power source is what creates the moment of force required to rotate the motor’s rotor. With DC fans, the direct (AC) power source, connects to a transformer which converts the power to DC. The effect is that it decreases the amount of power used by only using a direct current instead of the alternating current. To then create the force needed to rotate the motor’s rotor, the DC motor uses a system of magnets of opposing polarity. Please note that current models of ceiling fans with DC motors cannot be connected directly to a DC power source (like solar panels or batteries) and whilst that may change in the future, manufacturers do not seem to currently have plans to provide this facility. In most cases, they use less energy – up to 70% less than a standard AC fan. They are generally extremely quiet. They will often have more speed options, the reverse function on the remote, and are generally faster to start, stop and change speed. The motor is generally more compact and lighter, which allows for a slimmer motor design.

As DC technology is very new, there are many more options in AC available. DC, being a new technology, tends to be more expensive when compared to an equivalent AC model. Although you do use less electricity and therefore save money there, it is minimal. For example, if a DC fan saves you 20W per hour of use, and you use it for 10 hrs per day, 100 days per year (all night, all of the summer, on low speed), you save about $3.50 per year (off peak rates). AC fans can be controlled from a wall control, pull cord or remote, while DC fans can generally only be controlled by remote. Remotes are more likely to be lost, broken, run out of batteries. Some DC fans are available with an optional wall controller, at an extra charge. AC fans are still extremely energy efficient, a standard model will use no more than 100watts on high speed. What is right for me? As with anything, there are many factors that will determine your decision. At the moment, there are not many DC models available, so this may limit your choice if none suit your style, function or budget.

In the coming years, it is likely that there will be many more options in DC. Ultimately, what is most important to remember is that you can get great quality ceiling fans with either AC or DC motors. Fans which are extremely quiet, don’t wobble and create good air movement. And although AC motors may use more energy than DC motors, they nevertheless use very little energy, equivalent to one or two standard halogen light bulbs on high speed. wall mounted ac heating unitsCompared to most household appliances, especially air conditioners, this is nothing! how to install a hvac unitSo once you have worked out your style, budget and function needs, feel confident in going either AC or DC.relocate ac unit cost If you have any questions, remember we are experts and always happy to help!

Our DC Ceiling Fan Range >> View our range of DC ceiling fansDirect current fans, or DC fans, have a variable, uneven flow. In contrast, alternating current fans, or AC fans, change direction 50 times a second in order to provide a constant flow. Historically speaking, AC fans were typically less expensive than DC fans. Today, however, the price difference is negligible, which means you need to weigh the pros and cons of each fan type carefully when making a purchasing decision.The Pros and Cons of DC fans DC technology has become much more sophisticated in recent years, and it can now be applied to both residential and industrial ceiling fans. DC fans have motors that rely on permanent, built-in magnets in order to attract and repel a rotor around an axis joined with invertors. DC technology is much newer than AC technology, which means there are fewer options available. PRO: Minimal electromagnetic interferenceBecause the electromagnetic interference of DC fans is minimal, sensitive electronic devices often use DC fans to prevent electromagnetic interference.

For example, computer applications and equipment rely on DC fans, as they prevent overheating while still minimizing electromagnetic interference that could negatively affect sensitive applications. PRO: Consumes less powerDC fans are widely regarded as the most efficient type of fan. They consume significantly less power than AC fans. In fact, DC fans consume up to 70 percent less energy to produce the same output as other fan types. For example, that means that a 25-watt DC-driven fan uses the same power as a 100-watt AC-driven fan. This is ideal for commercial settings, like restaurants, allowing you to keep fans running all day without incurring astronomical electric bills. PRO: QuieterDC fans make use of a new type of electrically commutated motor (ECM). Not only are these motors ultra-efficient, they are also incredibly quiet. Because they are so quiet, DC fans are an excellent option for applications such as medical instruments, telecom switches, or car entertainment systems, where noise could be a nuisance.

PRO: Lower voltage DC fans generally use less voltage than AC fans. The majority of DC fans are low-voltage fans. For example, you can typically find 5V, 12V, and 24V versions of DC fans. Larger models of DC fans, such as 119mm to 172mm fan models, are typically available in 48V. In comparison, most AC cooling fan models are available in 115V, a much higher voltage. Lower voltage also makes DC fans potentially less dangerous. CON: Variable uneven flowThe major drawback of DC fans is that they don’t provide a direct, constant flow. Rather, they provide a variable, uneven flow. CON: May require a transformerWhile AC fans use an alternating current, which reverses direction, DC fans use a direct current, which means the current only flows in one direction. Unlike AC fans, DC fans cannot be connected directly to a DC power source, such as solar panels or batteries. That means that DC fans must use a transformer to convert AC to DC so that the fan can be powered. The Pros and Cons of AC fansAC fans are commonly used when consistent and even airflow is required.

These fans are commonly used in domestic appliances. PRO: Provides constant, even flowThe major advantage of AC fans is that they provide an even, constant flow. An AC fan will move warmer air away from the components of the fan and then draw cooler air over them. CON: More energy consumptionAC fans do consume more energy than DC fans. However, it should be noted that AC fans are still energy efficient. In fact, a standard AC model will use no more than 100 watts on high speed. CON: LouderAC fans generate much more noise than DC fans, which can be a nuisance. CON: More electromagnetic interferenceAC fans have more electromagnetic interference than DC fans, which means they can’t be used in applications that might be sensitive to such interference. AC vs. DC: Which Fan Is Right for You? Now that you know which one is right for you, click below for a guide on how to select the right cooling fan for you. The bottom line is that the right fan for you will depend on your specific needs.