AC vs DC Ceiling Fans: The 6 Big Differences (2024)

Are you thinking about putting some ceiling fans in? Great idea! Affordable to buy and run, better for the environment and your hip pocket than an air conditioner, and a fresh, natural breeze for well-circulated air – not to mention a massive range that will satisfy even the fussiest home decorator. What’s not to love? Before you start browsing for the perfect product, however, you should know all about AC vs DC ceiling fans.

What are AC and DC ceiling fans?

Wait … what? If your first thought was to wonder what an iconic Australian rock band has to do with ceiling fans, let’s settle this right now:

• DC stands for direct current – or electrical current that is one-directional
• AC stands for alternating current – or current that is able to reverse direction
• In Australia, the 240v electrical supply is AC power because it’s the most efficient way to get electricity from the generation point across those power lines and into your home.
• What are AC ceiling fans? Basically, any older ceiling fans you might have are AC because of the way they so seamlessly integrated with your home’s AC power system before the more sophisticated DC motors versions hit the market.

AC or DC ceiling fan – Know the difference.

The good news is that AC ceiling fans are perfectly fit for the task of circulating breezy air around your home. Better still, they were simple and, therefore, cheap to manufacture, buy and install, and easy to maintain and repair.

However, after about 2016 or so, things started to change. About six or seven years ago, the first DC ceiling fans hit the market around Australia – as did their higher prices and more sophisticated features.

And WOW – when you put DC vs AC ceiling fans in a head-to-head, the advantages certainly start to add up:

1. The DC motor

Basically, DC ceiling fans are just more sophisticated bits of kit. It uses less energy than AC motors – and we’re talking about almost 60% more efficient – they also create more torque! That means when you hit the button, they’re almost instantly at the speed you request.

2. Better control

Your AC ceiling fan may have had only a couple of settings – fast and slow. But perhaps the biggest difference between AC and DC fans is that there are multiple speed settings – as many as six – as well as reverse mode depending on whether it’s summer or winter.

3. Lighter

A lighter product is easier and cheaper to ship and install. But even better than that, DC ceiling fans are also typically more compact and slimmer – and therefore more aesthetically pleasing and able to be adapted into an unlimited number of styles.

4. Quieter

Consider the noise if you’re weighing up between an AC vs DC fan. Because while an AC fan is fairly quiet, you definitely know that it’s on. Especially in smaller spaces, think of a bathroom ceiling fan. But with DC, you’ll hear those blades sliding through the air.

5. Longer warranty

The thing with cheaper AC ceiling fans is that … they’re cheaper. That means you won’t get the multiple-year warranty that goes with more sophisticated and reliable DC technology.

6. Remote control

Did you know that every single decent DC ceiling fan will come with a whiz-bang remote? For DC fans, you’ll pull a cord or turn a dial on an installed wall control.

We can install your AC or DC ceiling fan today.

Have we made it a little easier to choose between an AC or DC ceiling fan for your place? Don’t forget, AC fans are not only a little cheaper but still perfectly good and stylish – and, yes, many of them come with remotes and even other features like lights. Really, it’s just a matter of matching what you’re looking for with your budget and personal preferences.

Need to know more about AC vs DC ceiling fans, or are you ready to select the perfect product and get it installed or replaced at your place? Your Electrical Expert is the best local Brisbane & Gold Coast electricians with fast same-day service, fixed prices and a 10% seniors discount, so get in touch with our ceiling fan installation experts today!