1 | Building Technologies Program 

BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) Public

Meeting on Test Procedures for Residential

Furnace Fans

Mohammed KDepartment of EneEnergy Efficiency & Mohammed.Khan@

June 15, 2012
2 | Building Technologies Program 

• Introductions• Role of the Facilitator• Ground Rules (norms)

– Listen as an ally.

– Use short, succinct statements/keep to the point.

– Hold sidebar conversations outside the room.

– Focus on issues, not personalities.

– One person speaks at a time (raise hand to be recognized; 

name for the record).

– Set cell phones to silent/vibrate.

• Housekeeping Items

Welcome and Introductions
3 | Building Technologies Program 

• The Department is broadcasting this meeting live over th

• DOE is providing the webcast to accommodate interested 

that are unable to attend the public meeting in person.

• The web broadcast allows interested parties to listen in a

the presentation slides.

• All interested parties are encouraged to submit written co

after the public meeting.

• All microphones in the room should be muted unless spe

control feedback on the phone line.

Listening Via the Webcast
4 | Building Technologies Program 

Purpose of the Public Meeting

• Purpose

– To present DOE’s proposed test procedure for residential furnace 

– To seek comment from participants on the proposed test procedu

– To discuss specific issues or questions related to the proposal; and

– To describe next steps in the test procedure rulemaking.

• Comments from Participants

– Participants are invited to provide summary comments or statem

raise additional issues for discussion.

– The NOPR was published in the Federal Register on May 15, 2012 

28674), and the NOPR comment period closes July 30, 2012.
5 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For Comment

Issue box numbering corresponds to the list of issues published at the en

NOPR, available at:

http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/appliance_standards/reside

ce_fans.html

Issue Box: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) welcomes commen

data, and information concerning its NOPR for residential furnace fa

Issues that correspond to those raised in the DOE’s published mate

will be numbered in accordance with that material. Whether invited 

an issue box or not, comments are welcome on any part of DOE’s

analysis.

(Issue #)
6 | Building Technologies Program 

• In all correspondence, please include all of the following:

– Test Procedure for Residential Furnace Fans– Docket Number: EERE-2010-BT-TP-0010– Regulatory Identification Number (RIN):1904-AC21

• Contact Information

Comment period closes: July 30, 2012

Postal Mail: 

Ms. Brenda EdwardsU.S. Department of EnergyBuilding Technologies ProgramMailstop EE-2J1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.Washington, DC 20585-0121

Courier: 

Ms. Brenda EdwardsU.S. Department of EneBuilding Technologies Pr950 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W

Washington, DC 20024 Telephone: (202) 586-29

DOE Seeks Comments on its Proposal

Email: FurnFans-2010-TP-0010@ee.doe.gov
7 | Building Technologies Program 

Public Meeting Agenda

Rating ExamplesCertification, Compliance & Enforcement

45

Reference Standards

2

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)

3

1 Introduction and Overview

Scope of Applicability

6

7 Closing Remarks
8 | Building Technologies Program 

• EPCA directs DOE to establish test procedures in conjunction with 

amended energy conservation standards, including furnace fans. 

6295(o)(3)(A))

– Under 42 U.S.C. 6295(f)(4)(D), EPCA directs DOE to consider and prescribe 

electricity used for purposes of circulating air through duct work (hereina

as “furnace fans”) no later than December 31, 2013.

• 42 U.S.C. 6293(b)(3) states that test procedures shall be reasonabl

to produce test results which reflect the energy efficiency or energ

product during a representative average use cycle and shall not be 

burdensome to conduct.

• EPCA requires that DOE integrate into the energy conservation sta

energy use associated with standby mode and off mode, unless th

standard already accounts for standby mode and off mode energy

consumption or integration is not technically feasible. In the latte

requires that DOE prescribe a separate efficiency standard to addrmode and off mode energy use, unless that is not feasible. (42 U.S

6295(gg)(3)) Accordingly, DOE’s furnace fan test procedure must a

standby mode and off mode energy use. (42 U.S.C. 6295(gg)(2))

Introduction and OverviewStatutory Authority
9 | Building Technologies Program 

• DOE currently has no energy conservation standard 

procedure for residential furnace fans.

• On June 3, 2010, DOE published a Notice of Public M

and Availability of the Framework Document to initia

energy conservation standard rulemaking for furnac

FR 31323.

Introduction and OverviewRegulatory History
10 | Building Technologies Program 

NOPR Final Rule

Introduction and OverviewTest Procedure Rulemaking Process

• DOE published the furnace fans test procedure NOPR on May 1

• DOE is holding the NOPR public meeting today, June 15, 2012.

• DOE will accept comments on NOPR from interested parties.

– Oral comments from today’s meeting will be recorded and transcribed

– Interested parties can submit written comments until July 30, 2012.

• DOE reviews and considers all comments.

• DOE expects to issue a test procedure Final Rule by December 
11 | Building Technologies Program 

• Comments from Participants

– Participants are invited to provide summary comments or s

– Participants are invited to raise additional issues for discuss

– Participants are invited to submit comments during the NO

comment period, which is open through July 30, 2012.

• Opening Remarks

– At this time, DOE welcomes opening remarks from interest

on the test procedure NOPR for residential furnace fans.

Introduction and OverviewMethods of Providing Feedback
12 | Building Technologies Program 

Public Meeting Agenda

Rating ExamplesCertification, Compliance & Enforcement

45

Reference Standards

2

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)

3

1 Introduction and Overview

Scope of Applicability

6

7 Closing Remarks
13 | Building Technologies Program 

• Scope of applicability includes single‐phase, electrically‐powered 

circulate air through duct work in heating, ventilation, and air‐con

(HVAC) products with:

– Heating capacities less than 225,000 Btu per hour; and

– Cooling capacities less than 65,000 Btu per hour.

• These criteria are consistent with current DOE definitions for resi

“furnace” and “central air conditioner (CAC).” (10 CFR 430.2)

• DOE finds that HVAC products that meet these criteria typically h

capacities less than 3,000 cfm.

• DOE proposes to exclude any non‐ducted products, such as:

– Whole‐house ventilation systems without duct work;

– CAC condensing unit fans;– Room fans; and– Furnace draft inducer fans.

Scope of Applicability
14 | Building Technologies Program 

Public Meeting Agenda

Rating ExamplesCertification, Compliance & Enforcement

45

Reference Standards

2

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)

3

1 Introduction and Overview

Scope of Applicability

6

7 Closing Remarks
15 | Building Technologies Program 

DOE selected reference standards that are widely used 

industry participants for the purpose of measuring fan

performance and standby mode and off mode electricaconsumption.• Active Mode

– ANSI/AMCA 210‐07 | ANSI/ASHRAE 51‐07: Laboratory Met

Testing Fans for Certified Aerodynamic Performance Rating

• Standby Mode and Off Mode (hydronic air handlers o

– DOE standby mode and off mode test procedure for residen

furnaces. (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, section 

– International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 6

(Second Edition), Household electrical appliances – Measur

standby power.

Reference Standards
16 | Building Technologies Program 

DOE incorporated by reference the sections required to calc

proposed metric, the “fan efficiency rating” (FER).

• Sections incorporated by reference:

– Definitions, units of measure, and symbols (section 3);

– Instruments and methods of measurement (sections 4.1 to 4.3 

– Test setup and equipment provisions (section 5) and observat

conduct of test guidelines (section 6);

– Calculations (sections 7.1 to 7.7 and section 7.9); and

– Report and results of test requirements (section 8).

• Sections not incorporated by reference:

– Mechanical measurement of fan input power and motor calib

(section 4.4) and rotational speed (section 4.5);

– Test data to be recorded for rotational speed (N), beam load (

(T); and

– Calculations for fan power input or fan efficiency (sections 7.7 

Reference StandardsANSI/AMCA 210‐07
17 | Building Technologies Program 

DOE proposes the following specifications in addition to 

methods incorporated by reference from ANSI/AMCA 2

• The range and increments of external static pressures (ESP

“determinations” (i.e., measurement of airflow, electrical

consumption, and ESP) are to be made;

• Use of an electrical meter to measure electrical energy con

with a certified accuracy of ±1 percent of observed reading

determination to replace the mechanical methods specifie

4.4 of ANSI/AMCA 210‐07; and

• Electrical supply be maintained within 1 percent of the high

nameplate voltage.

Reference StandardsANSI/AMCA 210‐07
18 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentANSI/AMCA 210‐07

DOE requests comments on the proposed definition of “external stapressure” and whether DOE is correct in assuming that external sta

pressure ratings reported in product literature are equivalent to

ANSI/AMCA 210‐07 fan static pressure measurements.

(Issue 8)

DOE expects that the term “external static pressure” used by manufa

synonymous with the term “fan static pressure” as defined by ANSI/A

• Fan static pressure: The difference between the fan total pressure and th

pressure. Therefore, it is the difference between static pressure at the fan 

total pressure at the fan inlet. (ANSI/AMCA 210 definition)

• External static pressure: The difference between the fan total pressure at 

and the total pressure at the air inlet less velocity pressure at the air outlproduct containing a furnace fan when operating and installed in accorda

manufacturer’s instructions. External static pressure does not include the 

across appurtenances internal to the HVAC product. (NOPR definition)
19 | Building Technologies Program 

Theoretical calculation of external static pressure:

••

Fan static pressure as defined in AMCA 210 and adopted for ESP in N

••

External Static Pressure
20 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentANSI/AMCA 210‐07

DOE requests comments on which of the ANSI/AMCA 210‐07 setup

best‐suited for the purposes of this test procedure. DOE also reque

comments on whether any of these test setups are inappropriate a

should be disallowed for the purposes of this test procedure.

(Issue 7)

• DOE recognizes that ANSI/AMCA 210‐07 includes 16 setup varia

• DOE did not propose a particular variation.

• DOE expects that the blow‐through setups, such as test setup 1

more appropriate than pull‐through setups, such as setup 13, b

are more representative of typical installations of the HVAC pro

incorporate furnace fans.
21 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentANSI/AMCA 210‐07

DOE requests comment on whether any limitations on the baromet

pressure range or adjustments to address the impact of barometric

pressure should be included in the test procedure.

(Issue 9)

• DOE is aware that barometric pressure changes may 

impact on test measurement results.

• DOE notes that the ANSI/AMCA 210‐07 standard doe

appear to include correction for this effect.
22 | Building Technologies Program 

HVAC Products Status Latest DOE Rulem

 Gas Furnaces Oil‐fired Furnaces

 Electric Furnaces

Being addressed inseparate rulemaking

 September 13, 2

Furnaces NOPR 

 Modular Blowers

 Weatherized Gas Furnace

Being addressed inseparate rulemaking

 October 24, 201

FR 65616).

 Hydronic Air Handlers Being addressed in current rulemaking  N/A

Reference StandardsDOE Furnace Standby Test Procedure (IEC 62301)

DOE is addressing standby mode and off mode energy use 

procedures for residential furnaces and CAC, but not hydrhandlers.
23 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentStandby Mode and Off Mode

DOE seeks comment on whether the assumed similarities between 

electrical systems of furnaces and hydronic air handlers are approp

DOE seeks comment on whether the methods for measuring standbmode and off mode energy consumption specified in the DOE test

procedure for residential furnaces and boilers are appropriate for

hydronic air handlers.

(Issue 5)

• DOE finds that the electrical systems (i.e., components and con

hydronic air handlers are similar to the electrical systems of fur

• DOE proposes to incorporate the methods specified in the DOE 

procedure for residential furnaces and boilers to measure the s

and off mode energy consumption for furnace fans used in hyd

handlers. (10 CFR part 430, subpart B, appendix N, section 8.0)
24 | Building Technologies Program 

Public Meeting Agenda

Rating ExamplesCertification, Compliance & Enforcement

45

Reference Standards

2

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)

3

1 Introduction and Overview

Scope of Applicability

6

7 Closing Remarks
25 | Building Technologies Program 

• FER is the estimated annual electrical energy consumption nor

1. annual rated operating hours, and2. the airflow in the maximum airflow‐control setting in standard c

minute.

• The annual rated operating hours varies by product type depe

whether standby mode and off mode operating hours are cons

• The estimated annual electrical energy consumption is a weigh

of the fan input power measured separately for multiple airflow

settings at different external static pressures (ESPs).

– The airflow‐control settings proposed to be rated correspond to o

cooling mode, heating mode, and constant‐circulation mode.

– Power and airflow measurements are taken at ESPs that are deter

reference system that represents national average duct work char

– The input power is weighted by estimated national average opera

for each rated airflow‐control setting.

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)
26 | Building Technologies Program 

Fan Efficiency RatingRated Airflow‐Control Settings

• DOE is aware that furnace fans typically have multiple 

control settings.

• DOE expects that each airflow‐control setting is typic

designated to perform a specific function (i.e., constacirculation, heating, or cooling).

• DOE expects that airflow‐control setting designations 

follows:

– Lowest settings are designated for constant circulation.

– Median settings are designated for heating.

– Highest settings designated for cooling.
27 | Building Technologies Program 

Product Type Proposed Lowest

Rated Setting

Proposed MedianRated Setting

PropoRated 

Single‐Stage Heating Default constant‐

circulation

Default heat Maxim

Multi‐Stage or

Modulating Heat

Default constant‐circulation

Default lowest heat Maxim

Heating‐only Default constant‐

circulation

None Maxim

Fan Efficiency RatingRated Airflow‐Control Settings

• DOE found that rating three of the available airflow‐control setti

efficiency improvements while minimizing burden on manufactu

• Default airflow‐control settings are the airflow‐control settings th

achieved in the factory‐set control system configuration (i.e., witmanual adjustment other than interaction with a user‐operable 

such as a thermostat).
28 | Building Technologies Program 

Fan Efficiency RatingRated Airflow‐Control Settings

• Data from a non‐weatherized, non‐condensing gas furnace fan with a 4‐s

1600 1400 1200 

- 1000 E 

.... 

... 

-

800 

1: 

ct 600 

400 

200 

0 

Airflow and Power Consumption vs. External Static Pressure by Airflow

control Setting 

+-------

-----

'L - --

_ 

.... 

-

.. /"'\: -----

------

--. 

__ '.L --. - _ -----t- )+E -----__ ---. - • -----

... 

----

------

.... 

, 

1400 1200 1000 

-

<II 

800 =: 3 -

600 

400 

A Maximum Airlfow (

X Medium-High Airflo

• Default Heat Airflow • Default Constant Ci 

(Minimum) 

+ Maximum Power 

• Medium-High Powe

200 X Default Heat Power 

;¥ Default Constant C

+---------,---------,---------,---------+ 0 

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 

External Static Pressure (in.w.e.) 
29 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentRated Airflow‐Control Settings

DOE seeks comment on the appropriateness of the proposed

assumptions regarding which airflow‐control settings are designate

which functions and whether these assumed designations are

appropriate for deriving FER. DOE also seeks comment on airflow‐

control setting designations for multi‐stage products.

(Issue 1)
30 | Building Technologies Program 

• A reference system is used to represent national average ductwork

characteristics, which allows for comparison of fan performance at operating conditions across products.

• A reference system curve is in the form of an equation that models 

relationship between ESP and airflow, Q, as determined by the phy

characteristics, K, of the system.

• For this test procedure, DOE proposes to define a reference system 

specified ESP value and the airflow delivered by the fan at that ESP 

the maximum airflow‐control setting.

Fan Efficiency RatingReference System
31 | Building Technologies Program 

1. DOE compiled over 1,300 field measurements of ES

maximum airflow‐control setting.

2. DOE identified four installation types:

– Heating‐only units;

– Units with an internal evaporator coil;

– Units designed to be paired with an evaporator coil; and

– Manufactured home units.

Fan Efficiency RatingReference System Methodology
32 | Building Technologies Program 

3. DOE adjusted ESP values to derive one value that included rep

evaporator coil pressure drop and one that did not. All values 

reported filter pressure drop.

– The average pressure drop reported for an evaporator coil was 0.

– The average pressure drop reported for an air filter was 0.21 in.w

4. DOE weighted results by the fraction of furnace installations p

an evaporator coil in the field. Based on EIA’s RECS 2005 data:

– 72.9% of non‐weatherized gas and oil furnaces in single‐family h

are paired with evaporator coils; and

– 50.2% of non‐weatherized gas and oil furnaces in manufactured 

households are paired with evaporator coils.

Fan Efficiency RatingReference System Methodology

Household Type

With Coil ESP

(in.w.c.)

Without Co

(in.w.c

Single‐family Home 0.73 0.52

Manufactured Home 0.37 0.17
33 | Building Technologies Program 

Installation Type

Weighted Ave

Maximum Airf

Settin

(in.w

Heating‐only units 0.5

Units with an internal evaporator coil 0.5

Units designed to be paired with an evaporator

coil 0.6Manufactured home units 0.3

Fan Efficiency RatingReference System

*rounded to nearest 0.05 in.w.c.
34 | Building Technologies Program 

Fan Efficiency RatingReference System

0.65 in.w.c.

1050 cfm

• Data from a non‐weatherized, non‐condensing gas furnace fan with a 4‐s
35 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentReference System ESP Values

DOE seeks comment and data regarding the proposed reference sy

ESP values and the assumptions DOE used to estimate them. DOE a

seeks comment on whether the specified reference system ESP shovary with the HVAC product capacity.

(Issue 3)
36 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentReference System ESP Values

• DOE is aware that field ESPs can be higher than recommended b

manufacturers.

• DOE is also aware that the Canadian Standard Association (CSA) 

rating fan performance using multiple reference systems in CSA C

Performance of air handlers in residential space conditioning syst

– One reference system at 0.3 in.w.c. in the heating setting to r

manufacturer‐recommended installation, and

– One reference system at 0.6 in.w.c. in the heating setting to b

representative of a “common” field installation. (CSA C823‐1

DOE requests comment on multiple‐reference system rating approa

and whether they would give a better indication of the overall

performance, as compared to the proposed single reference system

approach.

(Issue 4)
37 | Building Technologies Program 

• For each rated airflow‐control setting DOE proposes 

determinations at:

– 0.1 in.w.c.;– An ESP equal to the applicable reference system ESP divide

– An ESP between the applicable reference system ESP and 0

above that reference system ESP.

• Three determinations in each of three rated airflow‐

settings results in a total of nine determinations requgenerate the FER for a given residential furnace fan.

Furnace Fan Efficiency RatingDeterminations
38 | Building Technologies Program 

Fan Efficiency RatingMeasured Data

• Data from a non‐weatherized, non‐condensing gas furnace fan with a 4‐s

1600 1400 1200 

_ 1000 

E 

... 

... 

-

800 

't: 

:a: 600 

400 

200 

Measured Data Required for FER 

1400 1200 ... Maximum Airlfow (C

+-.... _----

---

---

---

/"'\: ----.... "'"--L"\ -t- ;+'________ --- ,T'---____ 

-

-------

1000 

-

III 

800 

-

.. 

QI 

600 

Q. 

400 

200 

• Default Heat Airflow 

• Default Constant Ci r

(Minimum) 

• Reference System a

+ Maximum Power 

X Default Heat Power 

I Default Constant Cir

o Power Consumption 

o +----,-----,----,----,----,----,----,,----+ o 

0.0 0. 1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 

External Static Pressure (in.w.c.) 
39 | Building Technologies Program 

• DOE used the following equation to estimate national average he

cooling fan operating hours:

• DOE used results from constant circulation use studies conducted 

and Minnesota to estimate national average constant circulation 

hours. DOE adjusted the survey results because homes in Wiscon

Minnesota use constant circulation more than the typical U.S. ho

following reasons:

– WI and MN homes have low air infiltration due to building codes.

– WI and MN residents have a high awareness of indoor air quality iss

– WI and MN homes are located in a northern climate region.

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Methodology
40 | Building Technologies Program 

• DOE proposes a value of zero for hydronic air handler o

operating hours because DOE expects that hydronic air 

are not typically equipped with a seasonal off switch o

consumers will not turn off power to the hydronic air h

• DOE estimates that the average annual standby mode 

operating hours is equal to the remainder of annual hodesignated for cooling, heating, constant circulation, o

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Methodology
41 | Building Technologies Program 

Operating Mode Variable

Single-Stage Heating 

(hours)

Multi-St

(h

Heating Mode HH 830 83Circulation Mode CCH 400 Cooling Mode CH 640 Off Mode (if applicable) OH 0 Standby Mode(if applicable) SBH 8760-HH-CCH-CH-OH 8760-HH

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Estimates

• The heat capacity ratio (HCR) is the ratio of output heat capacity i

setting to the output heat capacity ratio in the high heat setting.
42 | Building Technologies Program 

• DOE proposes to account for the differences in operation betwee

heating and multi‐stage or modulating heating units in its estimat

heating fan operating hours.

• DOE finds that the low heat setting typically accounts for 90 perce

heating operation time, requiring more heating operating hours f

stage furnace fan than a single‐stage furnace fan to provide the sa

delivered heating in a given installation.

• DOE proposes to use the following equation to determine average 

heating operating hours for multi‐stage and modulating furnace f

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Methodology
43 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentOperating Hour Estimates

DOE requests comment on whether the proposed operating hour v

are reasonable estimations of national average operating hours for 

furnace fan function. DOE also requests comment on the methodol

and assumptions used to estimate these values. DOE also requests

comment on whether hydronic air handlers are designed to provide

multi‐stage or modulated heat. DOE requests comments on whethe

proposed operating hour values and proposed rating airflow‐contro

settings are appropriate for rating multi‐stage and modulating hydr

air handlers.

(Issue 2)

DOE seeks comment on whether hydronic air handlers have a seasooff switch or consumers would turn off power to the hydronic air

handler. If so, DOE also requests comment on the expected electric

energy consumption in off mode, the number of hours that should 

allocated to standby mode, and the number of hours that should be

allocated to off mode, as well as data to support these allocations.

(Issue 5)
44 | Building Technologies Program 

• General form:• Non‐hydronic Furnace Fans:• Heating and Cooling Hydronic Furnace Fans:• Heating‐only Hydronic Furnace Fans:

Fan Efficiency RatingVariations

No Cooling
45 | Building Technologies Program 

Public Meeting Agenda

Rating ExamplesCertification, Compliance & Enforcement

45

Reference Standards

2

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)

3

1 Introduction and Overview

Scope of Applicability

6

7 Closing Remarks
46 | Building Technologies Program 

FER Example

1600 1400 1200 

-1000 E 

.... 

1.1 

-

800 

t 

<i 600 

400 

200 

FER Test Data for a Non-weatherized gas, non-condensing furnace fan 

speed PSC Motor 

+--...... ---

)-E---- --.... ----... _C\ + -----

... 

.... ---_ --*----_ L\ ------

.. 

-

... 

-

.... 

--

1400 1200 1000 

-

III 

800 ;: 

-

600 

400 

200 

... Maximum Airlfo

• Default Heat Air

• Default Constan

(Minimum) 

• Reference Syste

+ Maximum Powe

X Default Heat Po

;K Default Constan

o Power Consump

a a 

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 

External Static Pressure (in.w.e.) 
47 | Building Technologies Program 

Function Power (W)

Annual 

Operating Hours

Annu

Cons

Cooling 450 640 28Heating 375 830 3ConstantCirculation 350 400 14Standby NA NA 

Total 1,870 73

FER Example

Non‐weatherized, non‐condensing gas furnace fan with a 4‐speed P
48 | Building Technologies Program 

Function Power (W)

Annual 

Operating Hours

Annu

Cons

Cooling 400 640 25Heating 150 830 12ConstantCirculation 80 400 3Standby 11 6,890 7

Total 8,760 48

IFER Example

Heating and cooling hydronic air handler furnace fan with an ECM m
49 | Building Technologies Program 

FER/IFER ComparisonContribution to Consumption by Function

• Non‐weatherized, non‐condensing gas furnace fan with a PSC Motor (NW

• Non‐weatherized, non‐condensing gas furnace fan with an ECM (NWG‐N• Hydronic air handler (heating and cooling) fan with an ECM (HAH‐HC, EC
50 | Building Technologies Program 

Public Meeting Agenda

Rating ExamplesCertification, Compliance & Enforcement

45

Reference Standards

2

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)

3

1 Introduction and Overview

Scope of Applicability

6

7 Closing Remarks
51 | Building Technologies Program 

• DOE proposes to create a new section, 10 CFR 429.5

sampling plan specifications for manufacturers to dcertified ratings.

• DOE proposes to adopt the same statistical samplin

procedures that are applicable to residential furnac

CFR 429.18 and 429.11)

• DOE believes product variability and measurement

repeatability associated with the electrical energy

consumption measurements proposed for rating re

furnace fans are similar to those associated with eleenergy consumption measurement required for resfurnaces.

Sampling Plan for Residential Furnace

Fans
52 | Building Technologies Program 

Request For CommentOperating Hour Estimates

DOE requests comments on whether the sampling plan procedure

residential furnaces are appropriate for representation and certificof residential furnace fans measures of electrical energy consumpt

(Issue 10)
53 | Building Technologies Program 

Public Meeting Agenda

Rating ExamplesCertification, Compliance & Enforcement

45

Reference Standards

2

Fan Efficiency Rating (FER)

3

1 Introduction and Overview

Scope of Applicability

6

7 Closing Remarks
54 | Building Technologies Program 

• Closing Remarks

– At this time, DOE welcomes any additional remarks or que

from interested parties on the test procedure NOPR for re

furnace fans.

• DOE specifically invites comment on:

– The proposed test procedure;

– The numbered issues on which DOE seeks comments pres

issue boxes throughout the presentation.

Closing Remarks and Comments
55 | Building Technologies Program 

• In all correspondence, include all of the following:

– Test Procedure for Residential Furnace Fans– Docket Number: EERE-2010-BT-TP-0010– Regulatory Identification Number (RIN):1904-AC21

• Contact Information

Comment period closes: July 30, 2012

Postal Mail: 

Ms. Brenda EdwardsU.S. Department of EnergyBuilding Technologies ProgramMailstop EE-2J1000 Independence Avenue, S.W.Washington, DC 20585-0121

Courier: 

Ms. Brenda EdwardsU.S. Department of EneBuilding Technologies Pr950 L’Enfant Plaza, S.W

Washington, DC 20024 Telephone: (202) 586-29

DOE Seeks Comments on its Proposal

Email: FurnFans-2010-TP-0010@ee.doe.gov
56 | Building Technologies Program 

Backups
57 | Building Technologies Program 

• Residential furnace fan means an electrically‐powered device used in 

central heating, ventilation, and air‐conditioning (HVAC) systems for tof circulating air through duct work.

• Hydronic air handler means a furnace designed to supply heat throug

ducts with air as the heating medium, in which heat is generated by h

flowing through a hydronic heating coil and the heated air is circulate

of a fan or blower.

• Airflow‐control settings means any distinct operating mode character

nominal fan speed or airflow that a furnace fan is programmed or wir

when installed in accordance with manufacturer instructions and whi

designated for performing a specific HVAC function (e.g., cooling, hea

constant‐circulation).

• Default airflow‐control settings are the airflow‐control settings that ca

achieved in the factory‐set control system configuration (i.e., without adjustment other than interaction with a user‐operable control such a

thermostat).

Definitions
58 | Building Technologies Program 

• External static pressure (ESP) means the difference between the fan t

at the air outlet and the total pressure at the air inlet less velocity pre

air outlet of an HVAC product containing a furnace fan when operatininstalled in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. External 

pressure does not include the pressure drop across appurtenances int

HVAC product.

• Determination is complete set of measurements for a particular point 

for a fan, as defined by ANSI/AMCA 210‐07. For this notice, a comple

measurements at a particular point of operation includes airflow, elec

consumption, and ESP.

Definitions
59 | Building Technologies Program 

• Active mode means any mode in which the HVAC product is connecte

power source and circulating air through duct work.

• Standby mode means the mode during which the HVAC product is con

the power source and the furnace fan is not activated.

• Off mode means the mode during which the HVAC product is not pow

• Seasonal off switch means the switch on the HVAC product that, when 

results in a measurable change in energy consumption between the s

off modes.

Definitions
60 | Building Technologies Program 

1. Proctor, J., D. Parker, “Hidden Power Drains: Residential Heating and Cooling Fa

Demand,” ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings, StudyProcee

2000) (URL: http://aceee.org/proceedingspaper/ss00/panel01/paper19).

2. Proctor, J.P., Personal Communication (2011) (Summary of unpublished studies 

Proctor Engineering Company 1998‐2007).

3. Wilcox, B., J. Proctor, R. Chitwood, and K. Nittler, “Furnace Fan Watt Draw and 

Cooling and Air Distribution Modes” (2006), 2008 California Building Energy Eff

Standards (URL:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2008standards/prerulemaking/documents/0712_workshop/reviewdocs/FAN_WATT_DRAW_AND_AIR_FLOW.pdf).

4. Dickenhoff, D., Personal Communication (2011) (Summary of unpublished stud

by LBNL in 1998).

5. Baylon D., S. Strand, B. Davis, D. Robison, and E. Kruse, “Analysis of Heat Pump 

Practices and Performance: Market Research Report,” Northwest Energy Efficie(2005) (URL: http://neea.org/research/reports/169.pdf).

6. Ueno, “ECM Efficiency Better (and Worse) Than You Think. Home Energy” (May 

Studies reported 2008 and 2009) (URL:

http://www.buildingscience.com/documents/published‐articles/pa‐ecm‐eficie

Fan Efficiency RatingReference System Methodology
61 | Building Technologies Program 

7. Piggs, S., “Central Air Conditioning in Wisconsin: A Compilation of Recent Field 

Energy Center of Wisconsin (2008) (Two studies reported 2005 and 2007) (URL

http://www.ecw.org/resource_detail.php?resultid=289).

8. Piggs, S., “Central Electricity Use by New Furnaces: A Wisconsin Field Study” (2

http://www.doa.state.wi.us/docview.asp?docid=1812).

9. Baylon, D., B. Davis, L. Palmiter, “Manufactured Home Acquisition Program: An

Program Impacts,” Prepared for Bonneville Power Administration under Contra

AM79‐91BP13330, Task Order #71945 (1995).

10. Davis, B, A. Roberts, D. Baylon, “Summary of SGC Manufactured Home Field Da

Sittings in Idaho and Washington),” Prepared for Idaho Department of Water R

Energy Division (2000).

11. Davis, B. and D. Baylon, "Summary of SGC Manufactured Home Field Data (200

Prepared for Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Homes (ODOE), Northw

Efficiency Alliance, Idaho Department of Water Resources, Energy Division (Feb

12. Ecotope, “Summary of Results of Field Testing on Newer NEEM Homes With M

Systems,” memorandum to Tom Hewes and Brady Peeks of Oregon Departmen

(June 10, 2006).

13. Baylon, D. and B. Davis, "Summary of NEEM Manufactured Home Field Data.“ S

Oregon Department of Energy (Jan. 2009) (URL:

http://www.nwcouncil.org/energy/rtf/meetings/2009/04/Draft%202008%20N_040608.pdf).

Fan Efficiency RatingReference System Methodology
62 | Building Technologies Program 

Single‐Stage:Multi‐Stage:

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Methodology: Heating

Variable Description Value P

y Ratio of blower on-time to average 

burner on-time

1.39 2007 

Data

WFHeat Heating weather adjustment factor 1.04 NOA

day (Cens

HEAnnual Average annual heating energy use 49.8 MMBtu/year EIA R

Qin Average input heat capacity 86.8 kBtu/hour 2001 

and 2Direc

HCR Heating capacity ratio (lowest output 

capacity to highest output capacity)

Model Specific Prod
63 | Building Technologies Program 

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Methodology: Cooling

Variable Description Value P

yC Ratio of blower on-time to average 

compressor on-time

1.12 Prod

WFCool Cooling weather adjustment factor 0.89 NOA

day (Cens

CEAnnual Average annual cooling energy use 2025 kWh/year EIA RSEER Seasonal energy efficiency ratio 11.06 AEO Qin Average cooling capacity 34,884 Btu/h 2007

Ship
64 | Building Technologies Program 

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Methodology: Circulation

• Assumed hours for each response estimated using total annual hours (8,7

operating hour estimates, and June 2010 CAC test procedure NOPR heatin

hour estimates. (June 2, 2010, 75 FR 31224, 31270)

• DOE estimates that the fraction of consumers that use constant circulatio

less in the North and South Hot Dry region and 90 percent less in the Sout

region than the percentages reported in the survey data.

• 65 percent of furnace fans are located in the North and South Hot Dry reg

percent are in the South Hot Humid region.

How Often is Continuous

Fan Used?

Combined Data from

Studies

Assumed

Average

Number of Hours

National

Weighted

Average

Percentage o

Consumers (%

Number

of Homes

Percentage

(%)

No continuous fan 69 68% 0 89% 

Year‐round 14 14% 7290 5% 

During heating season 4 4% 1097 1% 

During cooling season 4 4% 541 1% 

Other(some continuous fan) 10 10% 365 4% 

Total 101 100% ‐ 100% 
65 | Building Technologies Program 

Fan Efficiency RatingOperating Hours Methodology: Circulation

• Assumed Average Number of Circulation Hours per Res

––

“

–––

• National Weighted Average Percentage (NWAP) of Cons

–
66 | Building Technologies Program 

• Statistical sampling procedures for residential furnaces (10 CFR 

– FER or IFER shall be greater than or equal to the higher of:

1. The mean of the sample, where:

and, is the sample mean; n is the number of samples; ansample; or

2. the upper 97‐1/2 percent confidence limit (UCL) of the true 

divided by 1.05, where:

And is the sample mean; s is the sample standard deviati

number of samples; and t0.975 is the t statistic for a 97.5% o

confidence interval with n‐1 degrees of freedom

Sampling Plan for Residential Furnace

Fans