On Feb. 24, the California Energy Commission (CEC) published a draft efficiency regulation for commercial and industrial fans and blowers. The CEC is accepting comments on the regulation from the public until April 11 and will hold a public hearing on April 12. On June 8, the CEC will hold a business meeting, during which the regulatory language could be approved for final publication, becoming effective in June/July 2023.
In the CEC regulation, which includes a test procedure, a minimum-efficiency requirement, and compliance-filing and product-marking provisions, fan energy index (FEI) is utilized as the efficiency metric, while ANSI/AMCA Standard 214-21, Test Procedure for Calculating Fan Energy Index (FEI) for Commercial and Industrial Fans and Blowers, defines calculation and measurement methods. The regulations would apply to commercial and industrial fans rated with at least 1 hp fan shaft power or at least 1 kW electrical power, but no more than 150 air horsepower. Exceptions include air-curtain units, ceiling and circulating fans, fans embedded in equipment performing duties other than air movement, safety fans (meeting a specified definition), crossflow fans, and induced-flow fans.
All fans in the scope of the regulation must meet California requirements regardless of where they are manufactured.
The AMCA North America Region Air Movement Advocacy Committee (formerly AMCARC) is engaged in the process, with its Energy Efficiency Subcommittee leading review and commenting efforts. Additionally, AMCA staff are working with other manufacturer associations to request an extension of the review period. In the meantime, AMCA members that could be impacted by the regulation are urged to begin in-company analyses. Documents published by the CEC for this rulemaking have been posted here. Key documents at this phase are “Regulatory Language” and “Notice of Proposed Action.”
A preliminary AMCA staff report detailing the scope and timeline of the CEC regulation and other regulatory specifics can be found here.
AMCA staff will schedule a members-only webinar in March to discuss the regulation and its potential impacts on member companies. An invitation soon will be sent to all AMCA Air Movement Division contacts, past AMCA presidents, AMCA global staff, and the AMCA board of directors.
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