Why Does Motor Efficiency Matter?

Electric motors are used in all parts of modern life, from air conditioning units and appliances to factory automation systems and industrial pumps. Because motors consume over 50% of electricity used in most residential, commercial, and industrial settings, improving motor efficiency is an easy and obvious way to use less electricity. But why is this important?

Motor efficiency matters because of global warming.
      Reducing electricity usage is one of the keys to reducing the greenhouse-gas emissions that are responsible for global warming.  Widespread adoption of ultra-efficient motor technologies could reduce these emissions from power plants by over 1 billion tons annually.

Motor efficiency matters because it contributes to national energy independence.
      Current geopolitical concerns about global energy supplies mean that using energy more wisely is an important goal for many nations and communities. Given the skyrocketing cost of imported fossil fuels, it just doesn’t make sense to waste money by using energy inefficiently.

Motor efficiency matters because it helps consumers and businesses save on their utility bills.
      By using more efficient motors, consumers save money on their electricity bills. Especially in appliances that run for many hours a day, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, increased motor efficiency can result in significant savings.

Motor efficiency matters because it affects peak electricity loads, especially during heat waves.
      Electricity usage is always highest in the afternoon on hot days because so much electricity is used for air conditioning. Replacing products that have inefficient motors with ultra-efficient ones would reduce the peak electricity demand on hot days, thereby reducing the need for costly power plant and power line construction.

So, given all these reasons, why don’t appliance manufacturers put more efficient motors in their appliances?
      Basically, because more efficient motors cost more than less efficient motors.  In order to hold their manufacturing costs down and keep their prices competitive, appliance manufacturers almost always select the cheapest motor that meets their needs. It doesn’t really matter to the appliance manufacturer how much the consumer spends on electricity to run the appliance. For the first time, NovaTorque motors allow customer demand for ultra-efficient appliances and manufacturers’ demand for low-cost motors to be aligned, because the energy savings of NovaTorque motors can be provided for little or no additional cost.