AC vs DC Ceiling Fans

When most people go out there to buy a ceiling fan, they look out for different things like design, lighting, shape, size, color, and more.

But what most people miss out on is a very small yet quite significant consideration, which is the type of motor in your fan. It may seem like a small detail, but it greatly affects the efficiency and power consumption of your fan.

Generally, ceiling fans come in two types of motor, AC motor, and DC motor. But before we discuss which one of the two is better, we would like to tell you guys the difference between AC and DC.

AC vs. DC:

AC stands for alternating current; it is the current that we get from the electricity grid. AC is more widely used due to the amount of energy it can carry, making it safer and easier to carry current over long distances without losing power, for example, from the electricity grid to your home.

DC stands for direct current. Back in the olden days, DC used to be the king of the current, but it had one limitation, it could travel only as far as a mile before it started losing its power. Due to this reason, the electricity grids started using AC which was a better alternate for efficient distribution of electricity.

What is the Main Difference Between AC vs DC Ceiling Fans?

The main difference between AC vs DC ceiling fans is that AC Ceiling Fans are more common and tend to be less expensive than DC fans. They’re also easier to find in stores. However, AC fans have a few drawbacks. First, they’re not as energy efficient as DC fans. Second, they can create a humming noise when in operation.

AC vs. DC Ceiling Fans Pros & Cons

Pros of AC Ceiling Fans:

Below are the pros of AC Ceiling fans.

1. Cheaper than DC Fans:

AC ceiling fans are cheaper than DC ceiling fans because they are widely available and easier to produce on a large scale. 

2. More options:

AC motor ceiling fans have been available in the markets from the dawn of time, due to which there are plenty of options to choose from, but lately, the gap between DC and AC ceiling fans is getting narrower with more and more DC fans hitting the market.

3. Variable Flow:

Keeping a constant fan speed on AC ceiling fans is not an easy task, to say the least. The spinning speed of the AC fan depends on the frequency and amplitude of your power source, which makes it quite a challenge for you to control the airflow, and therefore most of the AC ceiling fans only offer up to 3-speed options.

Cons of AC Ceiling Fans:

Below are the cons of AC Ceiling Fans.

1. Bulky:

Due to their large motor, AC fans are quite bulky, most people don’t mind the size, but the extra size impacts the design and functionality of the fan.

2. Noisy:

An AC motor consists of many different parts which work together. The movement and collision of these parts make them quite noisy. Also, over time, the parts become worn out, and noise increases.

Pros of DC Ceiling Fans:

Below are the pros of DC Ceiling Fans.

1. Efficient:

DC ceiling fans are widely known to be more energy-efficient as compared to AC ceiling fans. They consume significantly less energy than the AC ceiling fans; they consume up to 70% less energy than the AC-powered ceiling fans for the same airflow produced. 

2. Aesthetics:

Due to their compact motor size, DC ceiling fans are generally sleeker and more stylish as compared to AC ceiling fans.

3. Quieter:

The DC motor is not only highly energy-efficient, but it is also amazingly quiet. As a matter of fact, DC fans are almost 80% quieter than the traditional AC motor ceiling fans, making it the best option for you if you cannot live with the slightest background noise. You will virtually hear zero motor humming.

4. Smart Control: 

Most DC ceiling fans come with a smart remote control that allows you to remotely control the speed, illumination, and more from your bed. Some DC fans also offer a winter switch on their remote, which changes the direction of the blades and pushes the hot air down. 

Cons of DC Ceiling Fans:

Below are the cons of DC Ceiling Fans.

1. Expensive:

One of the main cons about DC fans is their cost. The reason for their high price is that they are a relatively new product, and the production is still pretty limited, which makes them more expensive to manufacture, so you end up paying the premium price. But lately, the gap between the cost of traditional AC ceiling fans and DC fans is getting narrower day by day as most of the popular brands are now offering DC options. Keep in mind that when buying a DC ceiling fan, do not go for cheap options because most of them are made of cheap material, noisy, and brushless motors. 

2. Less Control Options:

DC ceiling fans mostly come with only remote-control options as compared to the traditional wall panels, pull cords, or remote control of the AC ceiling fans. Remotes can be less functional and practical as compared to wall panels. Because remotes are prone to get lost and breakage or the batteries may suddenly die on you.

What is the Best Option For You? (Our Final Verdict)

Based on the above facts, you must be thinking about which one is best for you? Well, the bottom line is that there is no absolute answer for that. In the end, it boils down to your preferences. 

Energy efficiency should not be a deal-breaker for you. Yes, there indeed is a difference between the energy consumption of both motors. But at the end of the day, it is very minimal, almost negligible. 

But for instance, if you cannot sleep even with the slightest disturbance, then a DC fan might be the option for you because of its very quiet nature. Or if you are looking for a stylish and compact ceiling fan, then you should go with DC fan.