AC Fans vs DC Fans: What's The Difference?

Ventilation is an important aspect of any electronic device and even building. You will buy fans to prevent overheating. Other than houses, there are many other electronic devices and even appliances that use fans.

For example, vehicles have fans to aid in the cooling of the engine. The same applies to computers and other devices where cooling is important.

Are you planning to buy fans? There are two major options that you are likely to encounter. AC fans vs DC fans. What is the difference between them? Read on as we break down the differences between these two.

Table of Contents

How does an AC fan work?

AC fans are powered by an alternating current. The alternating current is produced by a transformer. The transformer changes the voltage of the current, which then runs through a wire and eventually to an electric motor.

What does this mean?

The AC fan runs on a constant rotation because it is linked to the voltage of your house, which moves back and forth at a high frequency. As a result, it will always rotate at the same speed – regardless of how powerful you make it.

AC fans are ideal for use in larger rooms since they can be made to be more powerful.

They are also ideal for cooling larger spaces as well since the entire room is cooled at the same time.

How does a DC fan work?

DC fans run on direct current. This means that they are powered by batteries or from a power outlet that uses direct current. The DC motor is connected to the fan blades through a belt drive or directly attached to the shaft of the motor.

What does this mean?

The rotation speed of the DC fan can be controlled by changing the voltage that it is running on – which means it will not rotate at a constant speed as an AC fan does. This makes it ideal for use in smaller rooms since you can control its power output based on your needs.

You will also get more control over how much airflow you produce with this type of fan since you have more options available when it comes to changing its power output.

You can also control the direction that the airflow is coming from with a DC fan since you can change the direction of its rotation by changing the voltage that it is running on.

This makes it ideal for use in applications where you want to push air downward – like when you are trying to cool a computer or electronics.

What are some pros of AC fans?

Let’s look at the main advantages of AC fans as they will play an important role in helping you with the selection. The advantages include;

-Cheaper to buy: AC fans are cheaper to buy than DC fans. Their prices are usually a little bit more than half that of DC fans.

-Higher Airflow: AC fans have higher airflow ratings than DC fans, which means they will be able to produce more airflow with the same amount of energy.

-Easily available: AC fans are more readily available than DC fans, so you won’t have to struggle to find one when you need it. Just take a walk to any shop near you, there is a high chance that you will find AC fans first before you come across a DC fan.

-Easy Installation: AC fans are easy to install because they don’t require any special skills or tools and can be easily connected with the help of a plug. AC fans can also be mounted on the ceiling or wall with the help of screws or brackets.

-Faster response time: AC Fans respond and change their speeds faster than DC ones do, so they can easily be used in applications where you need to quickly change how much air is being produced or where the direction of the airflow needs to be changed frequently.

DC motors take significantly longer to respond and change their speeds – which makes them less ideal for use in applications where you need quick changes in airflow or direction.

-Easy to install and maintain: AC fans are easier to install and maintain than DC ones because they don’t need any additional components (such as a controller or power supply) to work.

-More variety: AC fans are available in a wider variety of sizes and specifications than DC fans, so you have more options to choose from when purchasing them. Simply contact the AC manufacturer and inquire about the available different sizes.

Cons of AC fans

These are the main reasons why AC fans have become much more popular than DC fans in recent years. However, there are still some disadvantages of AC fans;

-Noisy: There is no doubt that AC fans tend to be quite noisy. The noise is due to the specific construction that characterizes the fans. Installed in the same room, you are likely to hear lots of noise from AC fans than from DC fans.

This implies that AC fans may not be ideal in noise-sensitive rooms and applications.

-High energy consumption: You may be surprised but it is a fact that AC fans tend to consume more energy than their DC counterparts. This is mainly because AC motors are bigger and require more energy to operate. As a result, AC fans consume more energy than DC fans.

-Low efficiency: Though not as much as DC fans, AC fans are still less efficient than their DC counterparts. The reason for this is that AC motors are more complicated and require more energy to operate.

-More electromagnetic interference: AC fans are more prone to produce electromagnetic interference than DC fans. This is mainly because of the close proximity of the AC motors to the electrical circuit that runs the fan. . DC fans are designed to minimize the impact of the EMI.

Pros of DC fans

Are you thinking of buying DC fans? Here are the top advantages that you are likely to get from them;

-Low power consumption: DC fans consume less power than AC fans. The working principle of the DC fans ensures that they consume less power both when starting and even when running continuously. You will be surprised to find out that a DC fan can consume 70% less power than an AC fan. From the financial spectrum, the DC fan will save you tons of money.

-Minimal electromagnetic interference: DC fans are designed to minimize the impact of electromagnetic interference. They are less prone to produce interference than AC fans. This is an ideal feature for those sensitive devices and electronics that need fans and at the same time are highly affected by the electromagnetic effects.

-High reliability: The working principle of DC fans ensures that they are highly reliable as compared to AC fans. Their working mechanism is such that they can run for a long period without any failure or breakdown.

-Minimum noise: DC fans do not produce any noise and are, therefore, much safer than AC fans in the presence of children and pets. Even electronic devices that use DC fans tend to be less noisy than those using AC fans.

-Less maintenance: DC fan does not require routine maintenance. You will only have to remove the dust from its surface once in a while, which is all you will have to do with it throughout its life span.

-No need for replacement parts: Since they do not require regular maintenance and replacement, you will save quite a lot on repair bills by opting for DC fans instead of AC fans. This is especially so if you own an apartment and deal with frequent power cuts and other emergencies that affect your electrical equipment.

-Intelligent motion control: DC fans can be controlled through the use of various control devices. This means that you will be able to set the speed at which they run, which is a great advantage over AC fans. Advanced versions of DC fans can even be controlled remotely-You don’t have to be physically present to run the fan.

-Water-resistant: DC fans can be used in wet places where AC fans cannot. These include bathrooms, kitchens, and swimming pools. You will find that DC fans are also quite safe to use in wet rooms because they are designed with a water-resistant case.

-Variable flow: A DC fan will allow you to adjust its speed at no additional cost. You won’t have to install extra devices and accessories to change the airflow of the fan.

Cons of DC fans

Despite the advantages, DC fans also come with their set of disadvantages including;

-Expensive to buy: The cost of buying a DC fan is way higher than that of an AC fan. This is because DC fans are made with more complex components and parts, which makes them more expensive.

-May require AC-DC inverter: DC fans need a special inverter that converts DC voltage to AC voltage and vice versa. If you don’t have this, then you will not be able to use your fan.

-Do not provide constant flow: DC fans cannot provide constant airflow as AC fans can. This is because, just like AC fans, DC fans are made up of motors. These motors are designed to rotate at a certain speed and that speed may change from time to time.

Summary: Differences between AC fan vs DC fan

Let’s now summarize the key areas in which AC fans differ from DC fans.

Type of current

From their names, you can tell that the two run on different types of electric current. AC fan runs on alternating current while DC fan runs on the DC current.

Speed

AC fans are capable of rotating at a much higher speed than DC fans. So, if you have a powerful AC fan, it will have a greater airflow capacity than the same size DC fan.

Rotational speed vs Airflow capacity

If you are looking for the maximum airflow capacity of your AC fan, then you should go for the one with more powerful motors. However, if you want to get a high rotational speed, then go for DC fans. But in all cases, it is better to go for an AC fan with high airflow capacity and low rotational speed so that it can perform well even in small spaces and rooms where there is little space to move around in.

Power consumption

DC fans consume much less power than AC fans. So, if you are seeking to cut down the cost of energy, a DC fan will be your safer bet than an AC fan. However, as we have already stated, you will have to fork in more money to acquire a DC fan than for the AC fan.

Noise

AC fans are much noisier than DC fans. So, if you are looking for a quieter fan, the DC fan should be your top priority. But if noise is not a big issue for you, then you can comfortably buy an AC fan for your application.

Which fan should I choose?

We have discussed the various pros and cons of AC and DC fans. But, it is not possible to pick a winner from both sides. If you are looking for an ideal AC fan, then you should go for the one with low power consumption. But if you are looking for a fan with high airflow capacity and low noise, then go for a DC fan. So, to choose an ideal AC fan, you need to think about all the above-mentioned points.

So, which one to choose? It is up to you!

Conclusion

Regardless of your choice of a fan, it will be prudent to buy from the right manufacturer, whether it is an AC fan or a DC fan. If you don’t know about the manufacturer, then do some research and look for a company that is known for its quality products.

Go through all the features of the product before buying it. If you find any important feature missing then don’t buy.

You can make things easier by using a sourcing agent such as ICRFQ. We will find the right manufacturer in China and help make your purchase successful.