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

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.