BLDC Fans vs Normal Fans: A Detailed Comparison
Why Compare?
If you had to buy a ceiling fan for your home or office, which fan would you buy now? Out of the many factors to consider, one more technical detail to take care of is to choose between BLDC vs normal fan.
While the BLDC fan is the new kid on the block using the latest technology, the regular fan is the tried and tested option that folks have been using for years. In case you’re wondering what BLDC is, it stands for Brushless Direct Current and is a more power-efficient technology. Here’s a detailed article to learn more about the evolution of BLDC fans. Today, we bring to you a comprehensive comparison of BLDC vs normal fans to help you make a better buying decision.
What is BLDC Fan Technology?
BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) fan technology uses a direct current motor without brushes, unlike traditional AC fans. This design ensures smoother and quieter operation, higher energy efficiency, and better control of fan speed. A BLDC motor operates through electronic circuits that control the current, making it more reliable and longer-lasting. This modern technology is especially beneficial for energy-saving and smart home applications.
Advantages of BLDC Fan
- Energy Efficiency: Consumes up to 65% less electricity than traditional fans.
- Longer Lifespan: The absence of brushes reduces wear and tear, extending motor life.
- Silent Operation: BLDC fans operate more quietly compared to AC fans.
- Smart Features: Often come with remote control and smart settings for ease of use.
- Lower Heat Emission: Generates less heat, making it safer and more efficient.
Detailed Comparison
-
Technology:
BLDC fans are powered by permanent magnets running on a DC motor that allow a better output with less power consumption. Since it runs on technology which does not require brushes and commutators, there are minimum mechanical losses.
Normal fans are powered by electromagnets which run on induction motors that have a comparatively higher consumption of power. Using brushes and commutators makes it susceptible to friction, losses and noise. -
Energy Efficiency:
This is a space where the BLDC fan really stands out. BLDC fans can be 40% to 60% more energy efficient than their conventional counterparts. This is thanks to the unique design which consumes low power and reduces losses.
While the typical ceiling fan consumes around 75 Watts, BLDC fan consumption can range from 30W to 40W.
Consider, for example, our Goldmedal Lux Flow BLDC Classic Ceiling Fan. This BLDC fan is powered by 32W and is 60% more efficient than conventional fans.
This is also why the BLDC ceiling fan is the preferred choice for spaces that run on solar or inverters. -
Air Delivery:
Since Air Delivery is directly controlled by the size and shape of the blades and fan speed, there is not a significant difference in the Air Delivery for BLDC and normal fans.
-
Speed Control:
BLDC fans control the speed by changing the amount of current that flows into the DC motor. BLDC fans usually are operated via a remote control.
Normal fans use capacitive resistance to change the amount of current that flows into the induction motor. They typically use a regulator to control the fan speed.
Costs
-
Initial Costs:
Ceiling fan price is another factor to consider. The price of the BLDC fan is higher due to the thick high-quality copper wires used in the DC motors. BLDC ceiling fans also require a skilled technician to perform the installation of the BLDC fan since the wiring is comparatively complex.
The initial costs of both buying and installing a normal ceiling fan is less. -
Operational Costs:
Operational Costs of BLDC fans are low, due to low unit consumption of power, leading to lower electricity bills. One can save as much as 60% on operational costs, when compared to normal fans which run for the same time.
Normal fans have lower energy efficiency and hence long hours of operations can lead to higher electricity bills. -
Maintenance Costs:
BLDC fans do not use carbon brushes in the rotor and stator, and have minimum losses, which also lead to lower maintenance costs.
Normal fans have the risk of overheating and winding issues, and have higher wear and tear due to usage of carbon brushes. This leads to higher maintenance costs in conventional fans. -
Luxury:
BLDC fans use the latest technology, are remote-operated, and the focus on design is to have sleek, elegant and classy looks. Check out the classy design of Goldmedal Daisy Super Decorative Ceiling Fan to know what a best-in-class fan looks like.
Regular ceiling fans, on the other hand, have their focus on cost efficiency, and are more likely to have a basic design that is more suited for repetitive manufacturing. -
Lifespan:
BLDC fans enjoy a higher lifespan than normal fans due to less wear and tear and maintenance, and higher build quality.
-
Noise:
BLDC fans have zero friction, since they do not use carbon brushes. This makes the operation noiseless.
Regular fans use an induction motor with carbon brushes that create friction, resulting in higher noise. -
Ease of Installation:
BLDC fans use electronic controllers and a complex wiring setup, which requires a skilled technician to perform the installation. Regular fans use simple wiring and are much easier to install with basic installation knowledge.
Conclusion
So is BLDC fan the clear winner?
Yes, the BLDC fan in India has many superior qualities when compared to the regular ceiling fan, and is clearly a great long term investment. But don’t be so quick to conclude in this BLDC vs normal fan decision. It all depends on the purpose and frequency of use.
With many households now using air conditioners, fans are considered more of an auxiliary source of temperature control.
If you plan to install a fan in a rental living or working space, or you do not plan to use the fan very often, the regular ceiling fan is a good short-term and economical choice.
For all other purposes of this BLDC vs normal fan debate, we recommend using the BLDC fan for saving on your electricity bills, and maintenance costs, and a convenient and luxurious experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) :
Q1. What is the Importance of BLDC Fan in Day-to-Day Life?
BLDC (Brushless Direct Current) fans offer significant advantages in daily life, including energy efficiency, longer lifespan, and quieter operation. Unlike traditional fans, they consume up to 65% less power, making them ideal for reducing electricity bills. BLDC fans also come with advanced features like remote control and smart settings, providing enhanced convenience. Their low maintenance and durable design make them a valuable addition to any home.
Q2. How Much Money Does a BLDC Fan Save in a Year?
The savings with a BLDC fan come from its lower power consumption compared to a traditional induction motor fan. Here’s how it works:
- Traditional Fan: A standard fan consumes around 80 watts of power. Over the course of a year (8 hours a day for 365 days), this translates to approximately 233.6 units of electricity (calculated as 80W * 8 hours * 365 days ÷ 1000 = 233.6 kWh or units). At a rate of Rs 7 per unit, this results in an annual cost of Rs 1635.2 (233.6 units * Rs 7).
- BLDC Fan: A BLDC motor fan, on the other hand, consumes only 35 watts. Over the same period (8 hours a day for 365 days), this results in a consumption of 102.2 units of electricity (35W * 8 hours * 365 days ÷ 1000 = 102.2 kWh or units). At the same rate of Rs 7 per unit, the annual cost for a BLDC fan is Rs 715.4 (102.2 units * Rs 7).
- Savings: The difference in cost is Rs 1635.2 (traditional fan) – Rs 715.4 (BLDC fan), which gives an annual savings of approximately Rs 919.8 per fan. If fans are run for longer hours, the savings can increase, reaching up to Rs 1500–2000 per year.
Since most homes have 2-3 fans, the total annual savings for a typical household will be Rs. 2,000 – 3,000 at least if all fans are BLDC.
