8. EC Motors

Electronically commutated (EC) motors offer clear advantages over AC or conventional DC motors for fans in fan coil-units and other applications. EC motors achieve this simply by including a micro-processor to vary current to the motor in response to workload, saving energy. The improved efficiencies provided translate into carbon saved. A typical EC motor may be 45% more efficient than its AC counterpart. When you consider that there are literally millions of these motors powering fans in HVAC installations throughout the world, the potential carbon benefits soon stack up. It is easy to overlook such a small and unassuming piece of technology, especially when it is up against other ‘more sexy’ fare. But in terms of carbon saved, will it contribute more than its rivals?