AC vs DC Motor Fan Choice

AC vs DC Ceiling Fans: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

Page Updated: June 2025
Read Time: 8 Minutes

If you’re shopping for a ceiling fan, one of the key decisions you'll face is choosing between an AC or DC motor.

But what is the difference between AC and DC ceiling fans, and which one is right for you?To put it simply, AC vs DC refers to the way the type of motor a fan uses. These motors power the fan and spin the blades creating airflow.

However, there are intricacies to each motor that impact how the fan operates, its features and how its uses, so to truly understand what fan is best for your needs it is good to understand what these differences are and how they effect your fan.

What is AC and DC?

Before comparing AC vs DC ceiling fans, it helps to understand how the motors are powered and what AC vs DC actually refers to.

When we start learning about electricity we learn about Direct Current or DC which is electricity that flows in a constant direction from source to application. Most modern electrical and digital appliances are made with DC current in mind as it is generally easier to design electronics around and inherently energy efficient.

"DC can be more efficient for certain applications like electronics, electric vehicles and solar panels because it minimizes energy loss due to its consistent flow."
OE Elsafe

Alternating Current or AC is different, and changes direction periodically as it flows making it ideal for moving electricity over long distances.

"When travelling long distances, AC is mostly used due to its variable voltage where the voltage can be increased for long distance travel and economic reasons, and then reduced by a transformer for commercial and residential properties."
Elite Power Group

The vast majority of homes and plugs in your wall use AC power, whereas the majority of your modern appliances need DC power to function, and thus require some sort of convertor to change the electricity over to DC so it can be used. If you’ve ever wondered why so many of your electrical components have large plastic boxes either partway down the cord - or directly on the powerpoint connection - this is why.

Powered by a robust AC motor, the Claro Whisper AC stands as one of the best all-in-one AC fan units, with options for CCT LED Light, built in reverse mode for winter, and indoor/outdoor undercover capabilities.

AC vs DC Fans

How do AC and DC Ceiling Fans Work?

Let's keep things simple and break down the main factors. You can think of it like this:

AC (Alternating Current) Motors DC (Direct Current) Motors
  • AC (Alternating Current) is the electricity supplied to your home via power lines. It flows in alternating directions and is standard for most household whitegoods and non-computer appliances.
  • AC Ceiling Fans are powered directly by the electricity from your home. They channel this energy into an alternator that spins the motor and blades using electromagnetics.
    Despite sounding complicated, this is a simplistic and robust way of powering a fan motor.
  • In essence, AC fans are simple, proven, and effective.
  • DC (Direct Current) flows in a single direction and is commonly found in battery-powered devices or consumer electronics.
  • DC ceiling fans still use the home’s AC supply, but convert it into DC via a built-in transformer. The DC current spins the blades through magnetic polarity changes in the motor.
    This method typically uses less energy to achieve the same performance as an AC fan.
  • Overall, DC fans are energy efficient, offer more control options, and have very low operating costs.
AC Ceiling Fans DC Ceiling Fans
What are they? AC (Alternating Current) ceiling fans are the traditional choice, with decades of reliable use behind them. They connect directly to your home’s power supply and operate using well-established motor technology. DC (Direct Current) ceiling fans are a newer, more advanced type of fan motor designed to consume less electricity while providing strong airflow. They’re often chosen for bedrooms, living spaces, and energy-conscious homes due to their whisper-quiet performance and precise speed control.
Benefits
  • Lower upfront cost.
  • Commonly wall-controlled, with pull cord and remote options available.
  • Simple, durable motor offers long lifespan.
  • Simple electronics integrate easily into household wiring, and still more energy efficient than appliances like kettles or halogen lights.
  • Up to 70% more energy-efficient than AC fans, reducing running cots.
  • Typically offer 5–6 speed settings.
  • Reverse function is remote-controlled, not manual.
  • Smaller motors allow for more diverse fan and blade designs.
Disadvantages
  • Less energy efficient than DC fans.
  • Usually limited to 3 speed settings.
  • Reverse function often requires manual switch on motor housing.
  • Higher initial cost.
  • Most use only remote control; wall control options not standard.

Fansonline Top Tip!

Calculating how much energy you fan will use

You can easily calculate how much energy your fan will use and how much it will cost you.

This is a great way to demonstrate the inherent energy efficiency of DC fans over AC fans.

See more about Fan Running Costs here.

DC vs AC Ceiling Fans: Key Differences

Feature DC Ceiling Fans AC Ceiling Fans
Energy Efficiency
  • Up to 70% more efficient than AC motors.
  • Very low running costs.
  • More efficient than most appliances, but less than DC fans.
Control Options
  • Remote standard; more speed settings; reverse via remote.
  • Some models offer wall control; remotes often come with wall cradle.
  • Wall control standard; pull cord and remote options available.
  • Reverse often via switch on motor housing.
Aesthetic Design
  • Larger motor housing, but often still stylish.
Lighting
  • Usually use LED lights with many more options around brightness and light temperature.
  • DC fan remotes make using light features seamless and easy.
  • Some brands offer user replicable LEDs that extend product lifespan.
  • Many AC fans use LEDs, but not user replicable.
  • Changing colour temperature may require specific wall switch inputs.
  • Some models still support E27 bulbs.
Price
  • Higher upfront cost.
  • Low running costs over time.
  • Lower initial cost.

DC vs AC Ceiling Fans: Which Is Better?

So, reading all this, you may be asking yourself 'why should I bother with an AC fan?'
It depends on your priorities:

  • If you value energy savings, quiet operation, and modern functionality, DC ceiling fans are worth the investment.
  • If you’re working with a tight budget, need wall control, or want a simple and durable option, AC ceiling fans are still a fantastic choice.

Regardless of the type, both AC and DC ceiling fans are far more efficient than using an air conditioner and can drastically improve the comfort of your home year-round.
See more about Fans and Air Conditioning here.

Part of their revolutionary 'EarthFirst' sustainable fan family, Fanco's Gaia DC only uses 1 Watt of power on its lowest speed. This makes it one of the most energy efficient fans on the market.

Our Best AC and DC Fan Picks for Australia:

DC Fan Recommendations

AC Fan Recommendations

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fan for Your Space

Whether you go with an AC or DC ceiling fan, the right choice ultimately comes down to your specific needs. DC fans offer cutting-edge efficiency, near-silent performance, and modern features—ideal for bedrooms and energy-conscious homes. On the other hand, AC fans provide reliable performance, broader control compatibility, and a lower upfront cost—perfect for renovations or budget-focused projects.

Whichever you choose, both options provide excellent airflow and comfort ideal for all types of Australian homes.
At Fansonline, we’re here to help you find the ideal solution to keep your space cool, stylish, and efficient.


AC vs DC FAQ:

AC ceiling fans use alternating current directly from your home’s power supply, while DC fans convert that AC power into direct current through a built-in inverter. This makes DC fans more energy-efficient and quieter, with greater speed control.

Yes. DC ceiling fans can be up to 70% more efficient than AC models. This makes them ideal for energy-conscious households or rooms where the fan will be used frequently.
See more about the Cost to run ceiling fans here.

DC ceiling fans generally operate more quietly than AC fans, making them well-suited for bedrooms, nurseries, and living areas.
Learn more about Quiet Ceiling Fans here.

Most DC ceiling fans come with a remote control and are not compatible with standard wall controls. Some models may offer wall control as an optional accessory, but this is less common.
See our range of DC fans with Wall Controls here.

Many AC ceiling fans offer multiple control options, including wall control, pull cord, and remote control. However, the reverse function may require manual access on the motor.

It depends on your needs. Choose a DC fan if you prioritise energy savings, quiet performance, and modern features. Choose an AC fan if you want a reliable, budget-friendly option with traditional wall control.

For many users, yes. The long-term energy savings, quiet operation, and improved control justify the higher upfront cost, especially in high-use areas like bedrooms or living rooms.

Check the product listing or user manual. DC fans typically include a remote with reverse mode, while AC fans often support wall or pull cord controls. Reputable retailers like Fansonline will always specify the motor type.

Get Expert Advice from Fansonline

Contact us today to learn more and take the first step towards a more energy-efficient home.


Choosing the right ceiling fan can significantly impact your comfort and energy bills. At Fansonline, our experts are ready to assist you in selecting the ideal fan for your needs.

LED Lights – All you need to know

LED Lights - All you need to know

Looking for smart ways to save on your power bill? LED lights are a popular energy-saving choice.

Compared with household heating and cooling costs, the humble light bulb is often forgotten in the energy cost mix. According to the national Your Home sustainability program, the average Australian home runs 37 light bulbs: approximately 10% of your monthly bill. Lighting costs can really add up.

Here, we look at the benefits of LED lighting and how LED lights work to save you money.

An LED – or ‘Light Emitting Diode’ – is clever, energy-efficient technology using a tiny semiconductor to convert electricity into light.  Modern LED lightbulbs offer a high-quality alternative to old-school incandescent and halogen globes, which guzzle power, radiate heat and require regular replacement.

What are the benefits of LED lighting?

LED lighting is:

  • Gentle on the hip pocket - Costs around 25% of the equivalent incandescent or halogen bulb to run. Clocking up substantial savings over time
  • Long-lasting - Lasting an average of 15 000 – 50 000 hours means less home maintenance, and less waste going to landfill
  • Cool - No more hot-to-touch bulbs radiating heat into the room
  • Environmentally friendly - Using less power and creating less waste

Where can you use LED lighting in your home?

  • Living areas
  • Functional workspaces
  • Decorative Lighting
  • Outdoor Lighting
  • Ceiling fans with LED lights

Installation of an LED Light

As we know, LEDs use a fraction of the power old-school incandescent or halogen lightbulbs require. Here’s an approximate example comparing a standard 60W bulb with a comparable LED light.

  • Traditional 60W bulb (uses 60 watts of energy to create 800-lumen brightness)
  • LED equivalent (uses 8 – 12 watts of energy to create 800-lumen brightness)

TIP:When selecting the best LED lighting for your home, it’s important to look at lumens not watts. Over time, LEDs are becoming more and more efficient – that is, using less watts – so it’s important to think about the brightness (or lumens) rather than the amount of electricity the bulb uses.

What are lumens?

A lumen is the measurement used for a light’s brightness. You need to choose an LED light bulb which is bright enough for the space you’re lighting in your home. Lumens range from low brightness at 250 to high brightness at 1500.

Choose a low lumen LED light for spaces where soft lighting is preferred, such as bedrooms and living rooms. And high lumen lighting for practical areas like your kitchen and laundry, where strong lighting is helpful.

The temperature or ‘colour’ of any lightbulb is measured on the Kelvin scale. This scale ranges from the warmest light at 1000 to coolest light at 10 000. The most popular household lighting sits on the scale between 3000 and 5000.

Traditional versus Modern Styling

Traditional homes tend to use warmer lighting to create a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. 3000 is a popular choice to capture that old-world charm. Modern homes often use crisp neutral or cooler lighting, which provides sharper contrast and reflects true colour. 4000 (natural white) and 5000 (cool white) are both effective choices.

LED lighting options for different spaces

Warmer lighting can work well in living and bedroom spaces, where you want to maximise comfort and relaxation. Gentler on the eyes, warm lighting helps create a welcoming atmosphere with the feeling of candlelight.

eco silent deluxe ceiling fan located in a contemporary master bedroom

The Fanco Eco Silent with CCT LED Light is a great option for bedrooms, especially when opting to use a warmer color temperature for the light!

Cooler lighting is bright, energising, and practical for functional spaces, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and garages. This clear, high contrast lighting is perfect for work areas with options including neutral, cool and daylight.

LED innovation

Innovative CCT LEDS allow you to choose the best light temperature for each room. CCT LEDs use flexible ‘Colour Changing Technology’, which allows you to select and set your preferred lighting option for each situation.

Why is this important?
For lighting flexibility, you can choose a consistent style of CCT LED light, or fan-light combination to use throughout your home. You can then change the settings from room to room to achieve the warm, cool or neutral light you prefer for each space.

Need total control?

Choose a dimmable LED light-fan combination with remote control. Dimmable LED options include:

  • Stepped dimming – where you select from several pre-set levels of light

Eco Style DC With Light

best ceiling fan with light

A popular fan-light model is the Fanco Eco Style DC Ceiling Fan with CCT LED Light and Remote, featuring 8 levels of stepped dimming

  • Stepless dimming – which offers a full range of adjustable light levels at your fingertips 

Infinity-ID DC With Light

modern infinity ceiling fan in children's bedroom

The Fanco Infinity-ID DC Ceiling Fan SMART/Remote with Dimmable CCT LED Light is a stylish choice with the flexibility of stepless dimming.

Looking for the perfect LED-fan combination for your home? Fansonline has a large range of quality options suitable for every room.
If you need some additional help with choosing the best Ceiling Fan with Light for your place, please contact our friendly team for more information.

Other Related Articles:

Ceiling Fan Installation

Ceiling Fan Guide

Understanding Air Purifiers

Understanding Air Purifiers

Creating a safe and healthy living environment for you and your family has never been more important. The danger of living with air pollutants and airborne viruses has become prevalent in our lives, and so Air Purifiers have become a popular addition to many households in response to this. 

In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the importance of air purifiers and how they can help you and your family breathe easy.

Studies show that people spend about 87% of their day surrounded by indoor pollutants. While our homes are often thought of as one of the safest places to be, away from outdoor pollutants like vehicle emissions, fossil fuels, and viruses, in reality, our homes may not be that safe! According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution can often be found 2–5 times higher than outdoor environments and can quickly spiral to become up to 100 times worse than outdoor pollution levels!

More time spent indoors means more time exposed to harmful pollutants and particles including:

  • Mould spores from surfaces with sufficient moisture (roof leaks, bathroom, kitchen, laundry)
  • Allergens (dust mites, pollen, cigarette smoke, dead skin)
  • Ultra-fine dust (debris, AC units, fabric fibres. hair, carpet)
  • Pet dander

These contaminants are invisible to the naked eye, making it easy to go about our days and weeks unaware that we are spending most of our time in an environment that may not be the healthiest setting to be working and living in. Breathing these pollutants in can be damaging to our lungs, aggravate pre-existing conditions such as asthma, and affect our overall health.

Improving the air quality indoors can be achieved by simply circulating out the stale polluted indoor air with fresh clean outdoor air. Creating this cycle is not often practical due to outdoor air pollutants such as pollen and dust - and when the weather is colder it’s not very comfortable to keep a window open and let the cold air into your house.

This is where Air Purifiers come in. Most air purifiers work by drawing in the air from a room or indoor space, funneling it through a series of filters that catch and trap pollutants before the clean and filtered air is exhausted back out into the room. This process is common across different models available in the market, so the types of filters an air purifier uses, its area coverage capacity, and smart Wi-Fi control features are things to look out for when looking for a model that best suits your needs.

If you're in the market for an air purifier, it's important to consider the types of filters that are available. Most models use a combination of filters to purify the air, and here are the most commonly used filters and their characteristics.

Common Filters

When looking at the different Filters used in Air Purifiers, you will find that most models will use a combination of filters to purify the air – here’s a simple breakdown of the most commonly used Filters and their characteristics.

  • Pre-Filter
    • Often seen as the front lines of Air Purifiers, the pre-filter is the first layer of defence that intercepts the larger particles in the air such as hair, debris, and pet dander. The pre-filter prevents these larger particles from entering other filters such as HEPA filters; extending their lifespan and increasing the other filters' effectiveness
  • HEPA Filter
    • HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) is one of the most popular and commonly used filters across Air Purifier models as HEPA filters are required to meet a strict set of requirements of filtering out at least 99.97% of particles bigger than 0.3 microns. Our eyes can only see specks larger than 10 microns – so HEPA filters are great at catching tiny pollutants such as bacteria, dust, mould & pollen. HEPA filters are disposable and replaceable and are great for allergy and asthma sufferers. Whilst some odours and chemicals can be caught by HEPA filters, most are best captured by specialised Carbon filters.
  • Activated Carbon Filter
    • Carbon filters are excellent at reducing the contamination of air such as smoke, gases, and chemicals. Activated Carbon filters in contrast to HEPA filters have a lower effectiveness at removing airborne particles so it is ideal to have both filters used together to capture what the other one cannot.
  • Ultraviolet Light
    • Typically used in the final section of filtration due to particles shading germs from the UV rays, UV purifiers work by pushing air through a UV ray which destroys or neutralises many bacteria, germs, and viruses by turning them into water and carbon dioxide.

Here are some more points to consider

  • Improved Air Quality: Air purifiers have been proven to enhance air quality in indoor environments. With pollutants and particles circulating in the air, air purifiers work to filter out these harmful contaminants, leaving the air cleaner and fresher.
  • Better Health: Breathing in polluted air can have negative effects on your health, especially if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Air purifiers can help alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions and provide a healthier environment for you and your family.
  • Versatile: Air purifiers come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile and suitable for a range of spaces. Whether you need an air purifier for a large living room or a small bedroom, there is a model that can cater to your specific needs.
  • Affordable: While some air purifiers may be expensive, there are plenty of affordable options available on the market. Investing in an air purifier can be a cost-effective way to improve the air quality in your home and safeguard the health of your loved ones.
  • Energy-Efficient: Many air purifiers are designed to be energy-efficient, which means they won't add to your energy bills. Some models also have eco-friendly features, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

Fanco Bright Smart Air Purifier

fanco bright air purifier

For households looking to improve their indoor air quality with larger rooms and open living spaces, we recommend taking a look at the Fanco Bright Smart Air Purifier.
Suited for areas up 50m2 and with a clear air delivery rating of 400m3/hr, the Bright Purifier would complement any living and entertainment space perfectly. It utilises a combination of a Pre Filter, HEPA 13 filter and Activated Carbon filter to deliver clean and healthy purified air and is simply controlled via the digital display on the model or through your compatible smart device such as a tablet or smartphone!

Fanco Fusion Air Purifier

For smaller spaces like a study, the Fanco Fusion Purifier is a brilliant choice. Rated for spaces up to 16m2 and with an air delivery rate of 90m3/hr, the Fusion is the perfect portable solution to breathing easier and healthier. Especially the silent operation makes the Fusion a great addition to bedrooms – quietly purifying the air in the background through its HEPA 13 rated filter. The Fusion is controlled through an interface on from the controls on the top of the unit and notably can also double as a standard desk fan – just open the top half of the unit and enjoy a nice gentle breeze on those hot summer nights!

Air Purifiers are very easy and practical addition to households that are looking to improve their indoor air quality. Being easy to use and effective, with very little maintenance requirements and simple to setup, Air Purifiers are super helpful devices in today’s climate; providing users with a healthier and cleaner living environment.

Check out the full range of Air Purifiers.

Which Fan Is For Me?

Which Fan Is For Me?

Decisions, decisions... where does one begin in selecting a ceiling fan? The colour, the finish, the amount of blades to the size and then you've got lights, no lights, speed and much more.

There are many options to choose from so with the help from our Ceiling Fan Category we have made it that little bit easier.

There are many variables in determining which fan is most suitable for the home;

  • Location - Will the fan be indoors, outdoors, in a coastal or salt spray prone area?
  • Size - How much coverage does the room allow and even how high are your ceilings?
  • Functionality - Will the ceiling fan be replacing lighting within a space and what kind of operation aspect is best for your circumstances, remote control, wall control or pull cord?
  • Style - From Modern, Traditional, Retro, Architecural to even Tropical - what look are you trying to go for that fits with the interior design?

To each thier own but when it comes down to it, do you go for practicality and efficiency rather than style and flair.
These days you can have both, a stylish efficient fan to suit your home.

Also when searching for the right fan for you, another thing to consider is will it be a main feature in a room or do you prefer it to be a subtle addition. Furthermore for those with investment properties and such there are also a range of simple and basic ceiling fans to suit all needs.

Most importantantly is once you have choosen the right fan(s) always ensure that they are installed by a qualified electrician.

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