Energy Efficient Residential Ceiling Fans: A Really Cool Idea!

1
Energy Efficient Residential Ceiling Fans A
Really Cool Idea!
by

• Noah Horowitz
• Natural Resources Defense Council
• [phone]
• nhorowitz_at_nrdc.org

2
Whats a Ceiling Fan?

• Inefficient Motors
• Poor Blade Design
• Up to 5 Incandescent Lamps Giving Off Heat
• Annual Residential Ceiling Fan Sales
• 19 MILLION!

3
Energy Consumption

• Average Home Has 1.5 Fans (varies considerably by
  region)
• Typical Energy Usage
• 346 kWh/yr. per fan
• or
• 519 kWh/yr. per home
• Energy Consumption About the Same as a New
  Efficient Refrigerator

4
Energy Savings Potential

• Reduce Fan Energy Consumption by 60
• Additional Savings Potential from Controls and
  Thermostat Adjustment
• National Potential Savings from New Fan Sales
• 3.9 billion kWh/yr.
• 3 million tons CO2/yr.

5
Roadmap for Transforming the Market

• Perform Research on Usage
• Create Testing and Reporting Infrastructure
• Develop E-Star Specification
• Provide Design Assistance to Ceiling Fan Industry
• Develop Utility Programs for New Construction and
  Remodeling Markets

6
Research

• Need Better Data on Hours of Operation of Fans
  and Lighting Systems
• Have a Few Utilities in Different Climactic
  Regions Sponsor Research

7
Testing and Reporting

• Test Method Exists for Measuring Air Flow and
  Power Consumption
• Work with Air Movement and Control Association
  (AMCA) to Create Reporting Infrastructure

8
Energy Star Label

• Have Energy Star Program Develop Specification
• Obtain MOUs from Manufacturers
• Integrate into Other E-Star Promotional Programs

9
Industry Assistance

• Offer Design Assistance via Seminars
• Lighting - Lighting Experts (eg. LBNL), Lighting
  Suppliers (lamps and ballasts), and Fan
  Manufacturers
• Motors - Motor Manufacturers, Efficiency Experts
  (DOE, ACEEE, etc.), and Fan Manufacturers
• Requires Modest Financial Sponsorship (CEE(?))

10
Utility Programs

• Promote E-Star Fans
• Integrate Into New Homes and Remodeling Programs
• Create Retail Strategy
• Consider Technology Procurement

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WHAT DO YOU THINK?