Most of those don’t actually want AC. They just want higher voltage.
Ovens are just running resistive heating. They don’t need AC.
Dishwashers might, if the motor is AC.
Kettles don’t care. Same resistive heating thing as ovens.
Toasters don’t care. Same again.
Washing machines and air conditioners might have motors that run on AC.
All that being said, I don’t know how problematic it’d be to use DC motors.
Most fans in your house have fixed or several speeds, because they just run the motor off AC directly. I got a DC floor fan recently, and it was kind of nice to have fine-grained control over the speed, something that you can’t do with an AC fan.
Now let’s dive into the differences between AC and DC ceiling fans.
Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant differences between AC and DC ceiling fans is their energy efficiency. DC motors are more energy-efficient than AC motors and consume up to 70% less power. DC motors also convert more of the energy they consume into rotational energy, while AC motors waste energy in the form of heat. This means that DC motors will save you money on your electricity bill in the long run.
Speed Settings
Both AC and DC ceiling fans can have multiple speed settings, but DC fans offer greater control over the fan’s speed. DC motors are usually controlled using a remote control, allowing you to adjust more speed settings of the fan, usually up to 6 speeds. AC fans, on the other hand, typically use a wall controller but can be fitted with a remote control. However, the settings are set to low, medium and high only, which limits the number of speed settings and the ability to adjust the speed precisely.
Noise
DC fans are generally quieter than AC fans due to how the motors operate. DC motors operate without the humming sound that AC motors create, making them ideal for bedrooms or other quiet spaces.
Lifespan
DC motors are also more durable than AC motors, as they have fewer moving parts and operate at lower temperatures. AC motors, on the other hand, use capacitors to control fan speeds, which have a limited lifespan. When an AC fan loses the ability to change speeds, it is usually due to one of the capacitors failing.
Price
DC ceiling fans are more expensive than AC ceiling fans due to their higher energy efficiency, more advanced technology, and quieter operation. However, DC fans’ energy efficiency means that they will save you money on your electricity bill in the long run.
That being said, they sell fans, so I imagine that they’d rather sell a fancier fan.