U.S. Proposes Efficiency Standards for Furnace Fans

The first-ever Department of Energy standard for this hidden energy hog aims for a 40% reduction in energy use.

Switching from a furnace fan with a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor to one with a constant-torque brushless permanent magnet (BPM) motor would improve efficiency to the level of the standard, according to the Appliance Standards Awareness Project. BPM motors are able to achieve high efficiencies at multiple airflow settings, which is particularly beneficial for use with HVAC systems where higher airflows are required for cooling.

Projected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 430 million metric tons in the next 30 years, the new rule is part of the Obama administration’s renewed effort at preventing 3 billion metric tons of CO₂ emissions by 2030. Initially delayed from being listed in the Federal Register because of the federal shutdown, the standard still must undergo a period of public comment and be finalized before a December 2013 deadline set by Congress.