Opportunities for Energy Savings in the Residential and Commercial Sectors with High-Efficiency Electric Motors

According to this U.S. Department of Energy report, motors in homes and commercial buildings consume more than one-third of all the electricity used in U.S. buildings. The report estimates there are at least one billion motors in buildings in major service applications, and at least another billion small motors in applications of low-energy significance. It provides first-of-a-kind, national characteristics on motors in households and in commercial buildings. Though trends for increased comfort, convenience, and health will increase the number of motors in use, the report notes that more than two quadrillion Btu — twice the energy consumption of Iowa — can be saved by using more efficient motors and variable speed drives.