Did you know that half of all the electricity used in the United States is consumed by electrical motors — and that 90% of these motors are alternating current (AC) motors? Therefore, upgrading the motors in your house can significantly reduce your home-energy use. Read on to learn more about energy efficient AC motors.
What advantages do energy efficient AC motors have over standard motors?
Considerable variations exist between energy efficient AC motors and standard motors. The ordinary motors lose energy through:
- Iron-core losses
- Rotor resistance
- Stator resistance
- Stray-load losses
- Windage
- Friction
Premium motors comprise improved materials and designs that help reduce these losses. Their windings have more copper to keep resistance down. They also minimize load and magnetic losses by using high-grade steel. Consequently, energy-efficient motors do more work per unit of electricity consumed than standard models. For example, HVAC systems with variable-speed motors consume less electricity than systems with standard motors.
Energy-efficient motors also tend to be more reliable because of longer bearing and insulation lives, higher service factors, less vibration, and reduced waste-heat output. They also tend to come with longer warranties.
When should you opt for energy-efficient motors?
Certain circumstances present perfect opportunities for you to buy energy-efficient motors. For example, failed standard-efficiency motors can be rewound. However, if you want improved reliability and energy savings, it’s best to replace the damaged motor with a newer, energy-efficient model.
Other circumstances under which you should consider energy-efficient models include:
- New installations
- When buying equipment packages like HVAC systems, compressors, and pumps
- When making major modifications to facilities or processes
- As a replacement for underloaded and oversized motors
- As a component of an energy-conservation or preventive-maintenance program
The energy savings you’ll get will quickly repay the additional cost of an energy-efficient model. Make sure you talk to a professional to choose a motor that’s the right-size. For more information on energy efficient AC motors, contact Ace Hardware Home Services. We help Dayton-area homeowners boost their home comfort and invest in the best, most energy-efficient improvements.
