[Draft E[nergy]{.smallcaps} S[tar]{.smallcaps}® Specification
for]{.underline}

[Residential Ceiling Fans]{.underline}

## January 12, 2001

**I. Airflow Efficiency**

Qualifying products shall meet the following minimum standards for
airflow efficiency:

  ------------------ -------------------------- -------------------------
  **Fan Speed**      **Qualifying Airflow**     **Efficiency
                                                Requirement**

  Low                At least XX CFM            ≈250 CFM/watt

  Medium             At least YY CFM            ≈150 CFM/watt

  High               At least ZZ CFM            ≈100 CFM/watt
  ------------------ -------------------------- -------------------------

Discussion:

The draft specification defines ceiling fan airflow efficiency on a
performance basis: CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow per watt of
power consumed by the motor and controls. This treats the motor, blades,
and controls as a system, allowing multiple approaches to reach a given
efficiency level. Efficiency is to be measured on each of three fan
speeds (low, medium and high). The final fan specification will identify
the test method that must be used to measure airflow and power
consumption. A variety of test methods are currently utilized by
different manufacturers and laboratories in different countries, making
it difficult to compare performance results among different products.
Current draft efficiency requirements are approximate, and may end up
being revised in the final specification, after testing is conducted
using a uniform measurement procedure. The final specification will also
establish minimum qualifying airflow requirements (currently depicted by
XX, YY, and ZZ, above) for each of the three fan speeds.

**II. Controls**

Qualifying products shall permit convenient consumer adjustment of
ceiling fan motor direction (clock-wise and counter clock-wise) and fan
speed. This may be accomplished by means of one or more wall-mounted
switch(es), a remote control, or pull chains sufficiently long to be
reachable from any ceiling height up to 15 feet. For those fans that can
accommodate lighting, the lights and the fans must be controllable
separately, allowing users to switch off lights during fan operation or
operate the lights without using the fan.

Discussion

*Fan motor speed and direction have a substantial impact on operating
efficiency. Many ceiling fans utilize fan-mounted switches such as pull
chains and slide switches to change motor speed and direction. Because
these switches are often difficult to reach, especially in rooms with
high ceilings, many users operate motors in the same direction and at
the same speed year-round. This can result in greater wind-chill during
cold weather or insufficient airflow during warm weather, hampering the
ability of ceiling fans to save energy. Likewise, some fans may have
their lighting and motors switched simultaneously, increasing energy
consumption over what would result from independent motor and lighting
operation. By providing more convenient access to motor and lighting
controls, the Energy Star labeling program aims to help users operate
their ceiling fans more efficiently and improve comfort.*

**III. Lighting**

A. Qualifying fans sold with integral light kits must meet one of the
following requirements:

-   Pin-based approach - The ceiling fan lighting system shall meet the
    requirements of the Energy Star specification for residential light
    fixtures; or

-   Screw-based approach -- The number of Energy Star-qualified
    screw-based bulbs needed to occupy each standard Edison-based socket
    shall be included within the fan packaging.

B. Qualifying separate light kits (not sold with the fan itself) shall
meet the requirements of the Energy Star specification for residential
light fixtures.

Discussion:

On a national basis, the typical lighting provided with ceiling fans
consumes more electricity than the fan motor itself. As a result, it is
very important than any energy efficiency labeling program associated
with ceiling fans also address lighting efficiency. The Energy Star
program has already adopted labeling guidelines for dedicated
fluorescent fixtures and screw-based compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
These specifications ensure that labeled lighting products provide high
quality light with attractive color rendering, quick starting, and
silent operation.

Either the pin-based or screw-based approach may be utilized by
participating manufacturers. It may prove less expensive and more
convenient to utilize one hard-wired ballast and one or more pin-based
lamps, however. Such a design will tend to be more compact and require
fewer components than utilizing separately ballasted screw-based CFLs
for each socket.

# IV. Noise

Qualifying products shall meet the following maximum standards for
operational noise:

  ----------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  **Fan Speed**     **Maximum Sound Pressure Level (SPL)**

  Low               XX dB

  Medium            YY dB

  High              ZZ dB
  ----------------- -----------------------------------------------------

Discussion

*As noted in Section I, above, each fan speed will be associated with a
minimum airflow in CFM. The final specification will state a test
procedure for measuring fan noise. This specification will need to
address, among other things: test chamber size and characteristics, type
of measurement equipment, and type of sound being measured. The
specification could either measure total SPL or attempt to specify the
particular harmonics that result from electrical and mechanical fan
noise but are not the product of wind noise from the blades. Allowable
noise levels will be higher for higher fan speeds.*

**V. Warranty**

Qualifying products shall provide a warranty of at least 15 years for
all non-lighting parts of the ceiling fan system. Fans sold with
integral light kits shall also meet applicable warranty requirements for
Energy Star labeled fixtures or bulbs: three years for hard-wired
ballasts and one year for lamps, if included. Separate light kits shall
also meet applicable warranty requirements for Energy Star labeled
fixtures or bulbs: three years for hard-wired ballasts and one year for
lamps, if included.

Discussion:

One of the goals of the Energy Star labeling program is to maximize
product longevity and cost effectiveness, reducing the energy waste
associated with products discarded after early failure. At the same
time, substantial warranty periods encourage manufacturers to utilize
high quality, long-lived components, which contribute significantly to
consumer satisfaction. Energy Star labeled fans with light kits should
provide substantial convenience value to consumers, especially when used
in rooms with high ceilings, since lamp life will be significantly
longer than with incandescent sources.

# Consumer Information

Qualifying products shall include the Energy Star label on their
packaging according to EPA's Label Usage Guidelines. Their packaging
shall also state airflow, power consumption, efficiency (CFM/watt) and
noise at each of their three operating speeds.

Product operating and installation instructions shall include a short
list of standardized information regarding how to operate the products
efficiently. This list shall include, at a minimum, information about
the following topics (to be drafted in the final specification):

-   adjusting fan speed and direction for season and room occupancy

-   HVAC thermostat adjustment for energy savings when a ceiling fan is
    in use

-   proper mounting distance from the ceiling to maximize efficient
    operation

-   how to find proper replacement lamps for the light kit, if included

Discussion

Past research indicates that how a fan is used may be just as important
to maximizing energy savings as the technology employed in its motor,
blades, lighting, and controls. Consumer information posted on the box
will allow customers to make more informed choices among competing
products. Consumer information included in the box will help increase
the likelihood that fans are operated efficiently by their users.