The need to preserve electricity leads us to the discussion of using BEE 5-star rated ceiling fans. Yes, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) ranks ceiling fans in the range of 1 to 5.
Many people think that the 5-star rated ceiling fans deliver less air than regular ceiling fans. Figures also point out that the BEE 5-star rated fans have the least air delivery in the range of 210 to 220 cmm, whereas the regular ceiling fans have a value of 250 cmm.
Apart from this fact, there is nothing to advise that the regular ceiling fans are better than the 5-star rated fans. Let us see at some of the numbers to get a clearer idea.
The regular ceiling fans utilize 75 watts, whereas the consumption of the 5-star rated fans is 50 watts. It specifically saves more than 30% of energy. Some of the most advanced generation 5-star rated fans have a rating of 45 watts.
Mostly, people don’t change fans for years, that results, fans to consume more energy, adding to the electricity bills. An old fan can consume up to 175-200W, which is almost equal to that of a small-sized refrigerator. The star rating of any fan is determined through its service value. Therefore, a service value of a fan is the total that we get after dividing the air delivery (in cubic meter/minute) by its energy consumption. For example, if a fan strikes air delivery of 220 CMM while consuming 50 Watts, its service value will be: 220/50 = 4.4
Every fan with a service value greater than four is granted a 5-star rating as per current standards.
Comparison between Ordinary fans and 5-star Ceiling fans:
The main difference between a regular induction based ceiling fan and a normal 5-star fan are as follows:
The 5-star fans have motors with high power factor. The power factor is the ratio of the real power coming through as AC to the real-time power in the circuit. Lower power factor is a result of the use of low-quality raw materials. So, typically in a 5 Star fan, the quality of material like copper windings/ grade of the stator is better than a regular 70-80W ceiling fan. In 5-star fans, the air gap within the stator and rotor is less, which results in a better induction effect. Thus, heat loss is also the least. These characteristics can draw down the power consumption from 75-80 Watts to 50-55 Watts, therefore, saving lots of energy and money.
BEE and EESL have been in a war for the last few years to take down the power consumption of appliances, and so far, the outcomes have been quite impressive. After the core initiative taken by BEE to lessen the power consumption by changing old bulbs/ tube lights with energy-efficient LED bulbs/ tube lights, the power consumption has decreased by 21,500 MW that is equal to Rs 45000 crores. Presently, EESL has begun mass distribution of Energy Efficient BEE certified 5 Star fans to the consumers ( 50-55 watt fans) at a financed rate.
The downside to 5-star Fans:
With some of its advantages, there are few downsides, over 5-star rated fans too, as many fan manufacturers have started settling on the air delivery and RPM of these fans. To reduce the power consumption of the fans, they have decreased the maximum speed of the fan, which is not exactly the ideal way to go. Thus, several fans, even after being 5-star rated, prove to be inadequate for the heat of a tropical country like India.
Other Preferred Alternative – BLDC Fans
Today, 5-star rated fans are facing strong competition from their superior counterpart – BLDC fans. These fans work on brushless DC (BLDC) motors that are energy-efficient and reliable. A BLDC fan can produce a superior airflow than a 5-star rated fan while consuming 60% less power. These fans utilize only 28W at the highest speed while producing a high volume of airflow.