See what I did there? While pretty much all fans allow you to turn down the AC and still feel cool, the newer types of ceiling fans that use a DC motor have some significant advantages.
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Briefly, the debate between AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) raged as far back as the 1880’s. George Westinghouse was a proponent of AC power (where the power is regulated by the frequency of the current in alternating directions), while Thomas Edison knew that DC power (where power is regulated by the amount of the electrical current flowing in a single direction) should be king. In the end, they both won… AC is fantastic at traveling large distances (in high voltages) and can easily be stepped down to household voltages, and DC is fantastic for short runs on devices with tight technical specifications (like your laptop).
Because DC Fans are more efficient than AC motors, they use less energy, and who doesn’t like saving money? Firstly, because of the better efficiency the motor stays cooler, which makes it last longer. More importantly, a DC ceiling fan uses about 70% less energy than an AC fan. Don’t hop up and down just yet though, let’s look at the numbers a little more thoroughly. A recent study showed an AC fan used $6.35 per year in energy, while a DC fan used $2.96 per year. Most people keep a ceiling fan for about 10 years, so that means that over the life of the fan if you choose the DC option, you’ll save $33.90. Solid savings, but a DC fan costs more than a standard fan (as much as $100 or so more) so weigh your options carefully.
A DC motor, especially those in our ceiling fans, are whisper quiet – just the thing for keeping your nights free of excessive noise. Most people will perceive as much as a 50% reduction in noise - sheep counting is always easier when it’s quieter.
One of the things we love about ceiling fans is the amazing designs the talented designers have come up with. Designers LOVE the DC fans, because they’re smaller and lighter – allowing them to take their fan designs up a notch. Take a minute to review the gorgeous DC fan designs available on our site.
DC ceiling fans work differently than AC fans (all the electrical componentry is atop the motor assembly), which means less clutter under the canopy and an easier job installing the fan. Because they are technically advanced, this also means that they’re controlled differently. DC fans will always come with a remote, and that remote is on steroids. Rather than the traditional Low-Medium-High of AC fans, DC fans come with as many as 6 speeds to get your breeze on just right. Most come with a reverse function built into the remote (you know for having your fan save you money in winter).
I’m a big fan of DC (pun ABSOLUTELY intended). So, let’s recap. DC fans cost a little more, but they provide cleaner designs, energy savings, enhanced control options and quieter operation. More ways to love one of the best energy saving devices you have – look for one when you’re ready to replace the fan in your home.