Cut Your Electricity Bill in Half: The Ultimate BLDC Fan Buying Guide

As the mercury rises and the Indian summer unfurls its intense heat, our reliance on cooling appliances, particularly fans, becomes paramount. Although fans may seem like humble devices in terms of energy usage, they surprisingly account for almost 20% of household energy consumption. This is why it is important to look for fans that save energy. And this is where BLDC fans come into the picture.

While a typical ceiling fan consumes 70-75 watts, a BLDC fan uses about 28-32 watts of power, reducing power consumption by 50%. Now that there is a practical way to stay cool and comfortable without breaking the bank, why not make the switch? To help you understand it better, here is a rundown of everything you need to know about a BLDC ceiling fan.

What is a BLDC Fan?

BLDC fan works with a brushless DC motor, a type of synchronous electric motor powered by direct current (DC). Unlike conventional induction motor-based fans, BLDC ceiling fans don't rely on brushes to direct current to the motor windings. Instead, they utilise electronic circuits and permanent magnets to control the rotation of the motor.

Key Features of BLDC Fans

Energy Savings: Brushless DC (BLDC) fans offer a significant edge in energy efficiency compared to typical fans. They consume notably less power while delivering equivalent or even superior airflow. Unlike regular fans, BLDC fans optimize energy usage by precisely controlling motor speed and torque. This feature allows BLDC fans to operate at varying speeds, adjusting to the cooling needs more efficiently.

BLDC fans reduce power consumption by more than 50 per cent thus promising significant savings on electricity and energy costs for the consumers. In India, electricity prices fluctuate based on factors such as region, provider, usage, and tariff slabs. For the sake of illustration, let's consider a standard rate of Rs. 6.5 per unit for residential users and a fan being operational for 16 hours a day on average.

Now, if you have got 3-4 fans at your home, just think of the money you will save annually by switching to BLDC fans.

Consistent Performance: A standout feature of BLDC fans is their consistent performance, even in conditions of varying voltage, thereby guaranteeing efficient air circulation. Whether faced with high or low-voltage scenarios, BLDC fans maintain optimal performance, ensuring comfort while simultaneously conserving energy.

Silent Operation: Unlike traditional induction motor fans, which produce constant humming due to their mechanical design and operation, BLDC fans operate quietly due to their advanced technology.  The use of brushless DC motors results in whisper-quiet operation, allowing you to enjoy the gentle breeze without any disruptive noise, contributing to a more peaceful and restful environment for relaxation and sleep.

Powerful Air Delivery: BLDC technology enables precise control over fan speed and rotation, optimizing airflow distribution for maximum comfort. Additionally, most BLDC fans you will find in the market incorporate aerodynamic designs, further enhancing their efficiency. The result is not only reduced energy consumption but also prolonged lifespan and quieter operation. If you are looking for a BLDC fan with an aerodynamic design, you may want to consider the Orient Aeroquiet BLDC fan.

Now that we know the benefits BLDC fans offer, let’s also take a look at some of the key factors one should consider when buying a BLDC fan.

How To Choose A BLDC Fan for Your Space

In this section, we'll walk you through the essential steps to help you choose the perfect BLDC fan for your home.

Sweep Size:  Sweep size refers to the diameter of the fan's blade rotation, typically measured in inches or millimetres. It directly influences the fan's coverage area and airflow distribution. Here's a table that outlines the recommended sweep size based on the size of the room. 

Rod Length & Design:  The rod length determines the distance between the fan blades and the ceiling, ensuring proper airflow and clearance. For optimal air circulation in a room, it's recommended to install a ceiling fan at a height of 2.1 meters or higher from the ground and with a clearance of at least 30cm from the ceiling. If you have a room with a higher ceiling, then look for a fan with a longer rod and vice versa for a shorter room.

Convenience:  Home automation is rapidly transforming the way people interact with their living spaces, thanks to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT). Such is the adoption of smart home devices that even the most common cooling appliances such as fans have gone smart. Much like you would order your groceries from the convenience of your smartphone, you can now operate an IoT-enabled fan from anywhere, anytime via mobile application or voice assistants. One cool example of a smart fan is Orient Aeroslim BLDC ceiling fan which can also be controlled via the Orient Smart mobile app or through voice commands via Alexa and Google Assistant. Additionally, Aeroslim comes with a one-of-a-kind slim cylindrical design, telescopic adjustable mounting, hydrographic finish, and integrated under light along with the energy-saving BLDC motor.

Aesthetics:  Today, when you shop for a ceiling fan, it's like stepping into a fan wonderland! You are no longer stuck with just a few plain choices. You'll find fans in all shapes, sizes, and styles imaginable. Whether you are looking for sleek and modern designs or need something classy and ornate, there's a fan to suit every taste and complement any décor. If you want to add some drama to your space, you have the option to go for under-light fans like Orient Subaris underlight fan.

Build Quality:  Ceiling fans today are made from a selection of materials, ranging from sturdy steel to plastic, elegant wood, and robust glass-filled ABS. Among these options, ABS blades stand out for their exceptional resilience, boasting a bend-proof composition, resistance to rust, and immunity to dust buildup. This not only ensures longevity but also simplifies maintenance, offering consumers a hassle-free solution for maintaining a pristine fan appearance over time. Also, it’s important to invest in a high-quality, branded fan as it assures reliability, durability, and performance

Star Rating:  The star rating in fans is an indication of energy savings ranging from over 50% for a 5-star rated fan to a minimum of 30% for a 1-star rated fan. BLDC fans are usually the highest rated with a 5-star rating. While the initial cost of a BLDC fan may be higher, the savings it offers over time are truly remarkable. It gives such substantial savings that you'll recoup the entire cost of the fan in less than two years. It's not just an investment in comfort but a smart financial decision that pays for itself in the long run.

With BLDC fans, you will not just save on your household electricity bills but will also help the nation save energy and reduce its carbon footprint. India, with its burgeoning population of 1.42 billion, constitutes approximately 25% of the world's energy consumption. Given its tropical climate, the demand for fans is particularly high. With an estimated 55-60 million fans sold annually in India, the potential for energy savings, cost reduction, and carbon footprint reduction is immense, especially with the adoption of energy-efficient BLDC fans.