AC vs. DC - What's The Difference?

You’re probably familiar with the climate here in Australia. Regardless of what time of year it is, you’ll likely need a ceiling fan – and probably one for every room too!

The amount of choice you have may sometimes feel overwhelming. Especially when you walk into a store and see so many different makes, models, brands, and sizes. One thing that you will definitely come across is ‘AC’ and ‘DC’. But why? What do these mean? Do they matter? Should I pick one over the other?

The answer is yes, they matter. But picking one over the other will come down to what is most important to you.

 

What Is the Difference Between AC And DC Ceiling Fans?

In simplified terms, the main difference between AC and DC ceiling fans is the electrical current they use.

To get a little more technical, a DC fan, or direct current ceiling fan, uses a power source that is connected to a transformer. This transformer converts the energy to direct current, or one-way current.

An AC fan, or alternative current fan is a little different. With these fans, they don’t convert the power. These fans use the power supplied from the wiring directly. To regulate the fans speed, they control the current’s frequency, thus giving you your airflow!

Now we know the technical terms, what are the advantages of each?

 

Advantages of DC Ceiling Fans

Because of the way the DC ceiling fans convert energy, they are seen to be highly energy efficient. In fact, the DC motor consumes up to 70% less energy than an AC motor. As a result, DC fans are a great choice if you are environmentally conscious or looking to save money on monthly power bills.

DC ceiling fans are newer to the market, meaning they use the latest technology. Because of this, the designs are often slim and sleek with less bulky fan motors. With this technology, there are also more options for sizes. Our DC fans range in size from 40” – 80”, having a perfect size for all rooms.

DC ceiling fans also have many different speeds for you to choose from, generally around 5-6. This means you can have a gentle breeze while you sleep, or a stronger airflow for a more intense breeze.

Another advantage of DC ceiling fans is that they are extremely quiet. This makes them ideal for bedrooms and shared areas where you are wanting to minimise sound.

 

Advantages of AC Ceiling Fans

AC ceiling fans have been around for a while, and showcase a simpler, easier to produce design, making them more cost effective than DC ceiling fans.

There are also more options for controlling the operation of AC ceiling fans. They come with a wall panel with the option to purchase a remote control separately, allowing you to choose what works best for you.

Although AC fans aren’t as energy efficient as DC ceiling fans, they are still very energy efficient and consume much less energy than most household appliances.

 

Which Ceiling Fan Should I Choose?

When it comes to choosing between AC and DC ceiling fans, there is no right and wrong answer. It all comes down to your specific wants and needs. Whether price is your key factor, energy efficiency, airflow, or style, what’s right for you isn’t always going to be what’s right for someone else. Regardless of what you choose, AC and DC fans will both do a great job at keeping your areas at a comfortable temperature.

To view our range or find out more, pop in and see one of our friendly stockists today!

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