Our Top 5 Picks for Energy Efficient Ceiling Fans for Your Home

As we move into the cooler months you might be starting to think about ways of keeping those winter heating bills down.  One way you can save is by installing energy efficient ceiling fans that work in conjunction with your heating systems.  Here, we explore what makes energy efficient ceiling fans energy saving, how energy efficient ceiling fans can help you save money, and our top picks for energy efficient ceiling fans this season.

Energy Efficient DC Ceiling Fans: How do They Work?

When we refer to AC or DC ceiling fans, we are referring to the way current flows within a circuit to generate power.  While we could go into a lot of technical detail about the differences between AC and DC, what we really want to know is what this means for your ceiling fan.

In any ceiling fan, a force needs to be generated that is strong enough to rotate the rotor, and push the fan blades.  In a ceiling fan with an AC motor, this force is generated directly from the power source.  In a ceiling fan with a DC motor, the power source connects to a transformer, which converts the AC power to DC, and then uses magnets to create the force needed to rotate the motor’s rotor. 

Both AC and DC ceiling fans require the same force to rotate the motor’s rotor, and push the blades.  The resulting difference between the two, however, is the amount of energy required directly from the power source to do this.

For a DC ceiling fan, the resulting reduction in energy consumption means:

• They consume up to 70% less power than their AC counterparts; and
• Their functional design allows you greater control over energy consumption, with more options for blade rotation speed.

How do Energy Efficient Ceiling Fans Save you Money?

Besides the obvious energy savings DC fans provide by their very design, ceiling fans can play an important role in reducing energy costs during the cooler months of the year, as well as the warmer ones.

Unlike other forms of cooling or heating you may have in your home, ceiling fans are not designed to lower or raise the temperature of a room. Instead, they circulate the air within a room, in such a way as to make you feel cooler in summer, and warmer in winter.

During the warmer months of the year, your ceiling fan blades work to generate a breeze, which is pushed down toward you, creating a “wind chill” effect on the skin causing you to feel cooler. This wind chill factor is created by the anti-clockwise turn of the blades pushing air directly down toward you.

During the winter months, most ceiling fans are designed so that the direction of blade spin can be reversed. Instead of pushing air directly down toward you, the blades will spin clockwise to pull warm air down from the ceiling, and push it down the walls of your room. So, rather than having air directly hitting you, your ceiling fan will redistribute warm air from the ceiling to provide an overall feeling of warmth in the room.

This translates to energy and costs savings by:

• Allowing you to run your other, more energy consuming, heating and cooling systems at a lower level;
• Allowing you to select a more energy efficient method of circulating air on those not too hot or cold days; and
• Saving you money on costly maintenance of your more expensive heating and cooling systems.

With all that in mind, it will come as no surprise that our top picks for energy efficient ceiling fans will be DC fans!  So, let’s dive into our top 5 picks, in no particular order, for energy efficient ceiling fans that will keep you comfortable and your wallet happy!

1. The Budget Friendly Redesigned:
Hunter Pacific – Concept DC

• Why it’s a top pick: It’s the AC Concept range reimagined into a budget friendly DC version of energy efficient ceiling fans.  It boasts a highly efficient DC motor with an airflow of 14,198m3/hr, consuming up to 70% less power than it’s AC counterpart. This translates to noticeable savings on your electricity bill over the fan’s lifespan.
• Key Features: Simple traditional 4 blade design, available with or without 18W CCT LED light, 6 speed remote control, 52” blade span.
• Best for: Traditional or transitional living rooms, bedrooms, alfresco outdoor spaces, or any space where quiet operation and energy savings, all within a budget, are a priority.

2. The Classic with a Conscience:
Hunter Pacific – Next Creation

• Why it’s a top pick: This fan proves that you don’t have to sacrifice traditional fan style for energy efficient ceiling fans. It is powered by a 32W DC motor that produces 14,315m3/hr of airflow on it’s highest speed. This means it moves a lot of air for the energy it consumes.
• Key Features: Timeless 4 blade design, available in matt white or matt black finishes, available with or without 18W CCT LED light, reliable performance backed by the Hunter Pacific brand.
• Best for: Traditional or transitional style homes, undercover outdoor areas, living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where good airflow and classic aesthetics are desired.

3. The Budget Friendly Designer Choice:
Eglo – Surf

• Why it’s a top pick: This fan is our designer pick, minus the deigner price tag.  The Surf range was specifically designed to bridge the gap between affordability and designer fans.  With subtle wave blade design, and all the functionality of an energy saving DC fan.
• Key Features: Modern 3 blade design, subtle wave blade feature, 40W DC motor with an airflow up to 14,194m3/hr on high speed, available in 48”, 52” or 60” blade spans, available in matt white, matt black, as well as oak and teak combination finishes, available with or without 20W CCT LED light.
• Best for: Homeowners looking for subtle design elements within a budget, living rooms, bedrooms, alfresco outdoor spaces, or any areas of the home needing a combination of style, functionality and energy efficiency.

4. The Newcomer with Easy Fit Options:
Hunter Pacific – Evolve

• Why it’s a top pick: This fan features a revolutionary new design with optional light kit that allows you to add a light now, or later.  The light kit comes with simple plug and lead, so you can do it yourself!  It also has exceptional airflow, is smart home compatible, and backed by the Hunter Pacific name.
• Key Features: Optional self-fit light kit, available in 48”, 52” or 60” blade spans, available in 3 colour combinations – matt white, matt black and matt black with koa blades, airflow up to 16,312m3/hr on high speed.
• Best for: Living rooms, undercover outdoor areas, bedrooms, or any areas that may benefit from the addition of a light.

5. The Budget-Friendly Best Seller:
Hunter Pacific – Polar

• Why it’s a top pick: Energy efficient ceiling fans don’t have to break the bank, and this is what makes the Polar range one of our best sellers. This fan offers a great balance of performance and affordability while still ticking the energy efficiency box.
• Key Features: Affordable price point, modern 3 blade slimline design, good airflow up to 14,928m3/hr on it’s highest speed, available in matt white or matt black finishes, available with or without 18W CCT LED light, available in 48” of 52” blade spans.
• Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, living rooms, bedrooms, or anyone looking for a reliable and energy efficient slimline ceiling fan.

Upgrading your fans to energy efficient ceiling fans is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your energy consumption, lower your energy bills, and enhance the comfort of your home. By considering our top picks for energy efficient ceiling fans and the key factors outlined, you can enjoy the benefits for years to come!

Not quite sure which of the energy efficient ceiling fans is right for your home?  Speak to the ceiling fan experts at Rovert Lighting & Electrical, and let us guide you on the perfect energy efficient ceiling fans for your home.