ENERGY STAR® Program Requirements
for Residential Ventilating Fans
DRAFT 1 - Eligibility Criteria (Version 2.0)
Below is the DRAFT 1 product specification (Version 2.0) for ENERGY STAR qualified residential
ventilating fans. A product must meet all of the identified criteria to earn the ENERGY STAR.
1) Definitions: Below is a brief description of a residential ventilating fan and other terms as relevant to
ENERGY STAR.
A. Residential Ventilating Fan: A ceiling or wall-mounted fan designed to be used in a bathroom or
utility room, or a kitchen range hood, whose purpose is to move objectionable air from inside the
building to the outdoors. Residential ventilating fans used for cooling (e.g., whole-house fans) or
air circulation are excluded. Residential ventilating in-line fans (including radon eliminating fans),
multi-port fans, heat/energy recovery ventilation fans ducted to the ventilated space, and powered
attic ventilators (e.g., gable fans) are excluded but may be considered in a future version of this
specification. Residential ventilating fans with electric resistance heating elements, fans with heat
lamps, and fans with lamp sockets that accept incandescent lamps for general lighting are
excluded from this specification. This specification does not address passive ventilation of any
kind.
Note: Residential ventilating fans with electric resistance heating elements or heat lamps,
previously included under Version 1.0, are now excluded under Version 2.0. The intent of this
change is to encourage manufacturers to use or develop heating technologies that have fewer
environmental impacts than electric resistance heating elements or heat lamps. Equally
important is the intent by EPA to minimize customer misperceptions that the heat source in
these units is also ENERGY STAR qualified. Two existing ENERGY STAR qualified models will
be affected by this change.
B.	Combination Unit: A residential ventilating fan that contains a light source for general lighting
and/or a night light.
C.	HVI 915,"HVI (Home Ventilating Institute) Procedure for Loudness Rating of Residential Fan
Products": Procedure used for testing and rating ventilation fan products for sound. This test
procedure includes laboratory requirements and methods for obtaining sound pressure, sound
power, and sone values.
D.	HVI 916,"HVI Airflow Test Standards": Airflow test standard that establishes uniform methods for
laboratory testing of powered residential ventilating equipment for airflow rate. This publication
covers the test equipment, tests of specific HVI classification groups, test reports, and policies for
maintaining the standard.
E.	HVI 920,"HVI Product Performance Certification Procedure Including Verification and Challenge
Publication that defines and specifies certain aspects of the procedures, covering such points as
the actual testing, the certification process, challenge procedures, and the use of HVI trademark
and labels.
F.	Inch of Water Gauge (w.q.): A traditional unit of pressure used to describe both water and gas
pressures. The conventional equivalent of one inch of water is 249.0889 pascals, which is
2.490889 millibars, about 0.036127 pounds per square inch (psi) or about 0.073556 inches
(1.86832 millimeters) of mercury. The word "gauge" after a pressure reading indicates that the
pressure stated is actually the difference between the absolute, or total, pressure and the ambient
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0	1

-------
air pressure at the time of the reading.
G.	Light Source: The lighting portion of a combination unit or a range hood. For units using a
compact fluorescent or fluorescent lamp, the light source includes the lamp and the ballast.
H.	Power Consumption: The operation of the fan motor consumes electrical power measured in
Watts (W). Under this specification, power used for lights, sensors, heaters, timers, or night lights
is not included in the determination of power consumption.
I.	Sone: An internationally recognized unit of loudness, which simplifies reporting of sound output
by translating laboratory logarithmic decibel readings into a linear scale that corresponds to the
way people sense loudness. A sone is equal in loudness to a pure tone of 1,000 cycles per
second at 40 decibels above the listener's threshold of hearing.
2) Qualifying Products: In order to qualify as ENERGY STAR, a residential ventilating fan must meet the
definition in Section 1A and the specification requirements provided in Section 3, below. For the
purposes of this specification, residential ventilating fans include the following product types: range
hoods, and bathroom and utility room; including ducted and direct-discharge models. Residential
ventilating fans with lights, including those with night lights, must meet the requirements outlined in
Table 2, provided in Section 3, below. Ventilating fans with sensors and timers may qualify under this
specification. Residential ventilating fans qualifying under this specification can also be used in small
commercial applications (i.e., bathroom of a restaurant).
Note: EPA believes that the product categories covered under this Draft 1 (Version 2.0)
specification reflect those categories typically marketed to the consumer. However, EPA is
open to comments on these product designations as well as any that may have been
inadvertently excluded and should be captured within this section.
3) ENERGY STAR Specification Reguirements for Qualifying Products: Only those products described in
Section 2 that meet the energy-efficiency criteria outlined in Table 1, below, may qualify for the
ENERGY STAR. In addition to these requirements, all qualifying residential ventilating fans must also
meet those requirements listed in Sections A-C, as appropriate.
Table 1
Draft 1 Criteria for ENERGY STAR Qualified Residential Ventilating Fans -
Minimum Efficacy Levels
Airflow (cfm)
Minimum Efficacy Level
(cfm/W)*
Range Hoods (up to 500 cfm)
2.8
Bathroom and Utility Room
Fans (1 to 75 cfm)
1.4
Bathroom and Utility Room
Fans (76 cfm and over)
2.8
*Based on measured airflow at 0.1 in. w.g. static pressure
Note: Clarification regarding test conditions was added to Table 1 (see Sections 3.B.3 and
4.D). The minimum efficacy levels, shown in Table 1 above, are the same requirements
included in the current Version 1.0 specification. Sound level requirements, previously included
in this table, have been moved to Section 3.B.2, below.
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0	2

-------
A. Lighting Requirements:
1. Starting January 1, 2003, the following products may qualify as ENERGY STAR:
a.	Residential ventilating fans with no light source
b.	Combination unit residential ventilating fans having a light source that is an ENERGY
STAR qualified light fixture or meeting performance criteria listed in Table 2, below.
Light sources that have lamp sockets that accept incandescent lamps are excluded.
Table 2 - Light Source Criteria
Performance Characteristic
ENERGY STAR Specification
System Efficacy per lamp ballast
combination (see notes at end of table)
>	46 lumens per Watt for all light sources that are
<	30 listed lamp Watts.
>	60 lumens per Watt for all light sources that are
<	24 inches and > 30 listed lamp Watts.
>	70 lumens per Watt for all light sources that are
>	24 inches and > 30 listed lamp Watts.
Lamp Start Time
The time needed after switching on the lamp to
start continuously and remain lighted must be an
average of one second or less.
For manufacturers using magnetic ballasts and
lamps with integrated electronic starting chips,
lamps must be included with the residential
ventilating fan when shipped from the factory.
Lamp Life
For residential ventilating fans that are shipped
with a lamp, the average rated life of the lamp
must be > 10,000 hours.
For residential ventilating fans that are not
shipped with lamps, a list of lamp types must be
provided that would result in the lighting source
complying with the specification. This list must be
clearly visible to the consumer on the residential
ventilating fan packaging. Manufacturers are not
required to provide specific lamp manufacturer
names and model numbers on the packaging.
Rather, generic lamp listings, such as the NEMA
or ANSI generic descriptions will suffice.
Color Rendering Index
>	80 for compact fluorescent lamps.
>	70 for linear lamps.
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0	3

-------
Correlated Color Temperature
For residential ventilating fans that are shipped
with a lamp and do not have a rated color
temperature of 2,700 Kelvin (K) or 3,000 K (actual
measured CCT of 2,700 to 3,000K + 200K), the
packaging should clearly describe the color of the
product (cool or warm) and state its intended use.
For residential ventilating fans that are not
shipped with a lamp, a list of lamp types must be
provided that would result in the light source
complying with the specification. This list must be
clearly visible to the consumer on the residential
ventilating fan packaging. Manufacturers are not
required to provide specific lamp manufacturer
names and model numbers on the packaging.
Rather generic lamp listings, such as the NEMA or
ANSI generic descriptions will suffice.
Noise
Class A sound rating for electromagnetic ballasts.
Not to exceed a measured level of 24 dBA when
measured in a room with ambient noise no greater
than 20dBA.
Maximum Total Lamp Wattage (excluding
night lights)
< 50 Watts. Lamp sockets cannot accept
incandescent lamps.
Maximum Night Light Wattage
< 4 Watts.
Notes:
•	Light Source efficacy shall be determined by the following equation:
Light Source efficacy [Lumens per Watt] = Measured Lamp Lumens [Lumens]
Measured Input Power [Watts]
•	Lamp Lumens: Lamp lumens must be measured using the lamp and ballast that are shipped with
the residential ventilating fan.
•	Light Source Input Power: Light Source input power must be measured using the lamp and
ballast that are shipped with the residential ventilating fan.
•	For residential ventilating fans shipped without lamps, efficacy shall be determined by testing at
least one of the lamp types listed on the fixture package.
Note: EPA's intent of excluding models that can accept incandescent lamps for general lighting
under this Draft 1 Version 2.0 specification is to ensure the long term energy savings associated
with using compact fluorescent and other energy-efficient light sources. This requirement also
ensures that the consumer cannot replace the lamp with an incandescent bulb, thus guaranteeing
these long-term savings. Information on lamps and ballasts may be supported by independent
testing or from industry-accepted lists such as the NEMA/ALA Lamp and Ballast Platform Matrix.
These lighting requirements are consistent with ENERGY STAR'S residential lighting fixture
specification with the exception of the maximum total lamp wattage and the maximum night light
wattage. The lamp and night light wattages are based on current sources being used and available
technologies. For example, most units are currently using 7-Watt night lights while the 4-Watt night
light lamps are readily available and fit the same sockets.
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0	4

-------
B. Quality Assurance Requirements: To assure the quality of ENERGY STAR qualified residential
ventilating fans, the following quality assurance requirements must be met for a fan to earn the
ENERGY STAR:
Note: In developing ENERGY STAR specifications, EPA strives to set energy-efficiency
performance levels that achieve energy savings without sacrificing performance and quality.
EPA's approach to quality assurance in the original specification was to include a requirement for a
product warranty that extends beyond the minimum one-year warranty typical for the industry.
However, some manufacturers are concerned that extended warranties have not proven to
increase actual product quality, nor the consumer's perception of quality in this industry. This has
led EPA to examine more carefully the aspects of quality that affect customer perceptions of
product quality. With this objective, EPA has identified the following three primary attributes that
could affect perceived and actual product quality for residential ventilating fans: early product failure
rate, fan sound levels, and installed fan performance. By specifying minimum requirements in
these three specific areas, EPA believes that actual and perceived product quality will be assured
for residential ventilating fans that earn the ENERGY STAR, without undue burden to participating
manufacturers. EPA is interested in obtaining industry feedback on this approach to
assuring the quality of ENERGY STAR qualified fan models. In particular, EPA is interested
in obtaining any research that would lead to setting effective and fair quality assurance
requirements in the specific areas noted, as well as suggested revisions to the draft
provisions outlined below. Those interested in discussing these issues further can contact
Andrew Fanara, EPA, at fanara.andrew@epa.gov to schedule a meeting.
1. Early Product Failure Rate
Partner shall provide at a minimum, a comprehensive one-year warranty for a product to qualify
for the ENERGY STAR. Warranty coverage requirements TBD.
Note: The Tier I warranty requirement in the current (Version 1.0) specification is two years. A
three-year warranty was scheduled to go into effect in July 2002 under Tier II; however, this
effective date was delayed due to this specification revision process.
Initial or early product failure due to faulty workmanship is the first indicator of poor product
quality. Such failures should be rare in ENERGY STAR qualified products and backed by a
comprehensive warranty. EPA believes that a comprehensive, one-year minimum warranty is
sufficient to protect consumers from these early failures. While some manufacturers and
retailers have requested a longer warranty, EPA did not find sufficient evidence to justify the
need for a longer warranty in an industry where one year is the minimum standard. As such,
EPA has included a one-year minimum warranty, however, this warranty should be
comprehensive, and should cover more than just the motor (a common practice in the
industry). EPA would like to pursue further discussions with industry regarding this
approach and requests industry feedback on how to set the specific warranty
requirements.
2. Fan Sound Levels:
For most ventilating fan products, fan noise is the most obvious indicator of product quality to the
consumer. Table 3, below, provides maximum noise levels allowed for residential ventilating fans
to earn the ENERGY STAR.
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0	5

-------
Table 3
Draft 1 Criteria for ENERGY STAR Qualified Residential
Ventilating Fans - Maximum Allowable Sound Levels
Airflow (cfm)*
Maximum Allowable Sound Level
(Sones)
Range Hoods (up to 500 cfm)
4.0
Bathroom and Utility Room
Fans (1 to 75 cfm)
1.5
Bathroom and Utility Room
Fans (76 cfm and over)
3.0
*Based on rated airflow, measured at 0.1 in. w.g. static pressure
Note: EPA has determined that product noise is the most prevalent indicator of quality in
residential ventilating fans. All industry members have agreed that product noise is a part of
quality. The following points illustrate that the industry recognizes sound as a very important
(if not the most important) quality issue of a residential ventilating fan:
•	HVI tests every fan model to establish noise level because consumers care about
fan noise.
•	A number of manufacturer focus groups have shown that the consumer correlates
low sound to quality.
•	Fan manufacturers' catalogs list their quietest fans in front and aggressively market
quieter fans using a quality theme.
•	Some manufacturers name their fans (especially their highest quality fans) based on
the noise level.
Therefore, EPA is proposing to keep the sound requirement. Furthermore, the maximum
allowable sound levels for bathroom and utility fans have changed under this Draft 1 Version
2.0 specification. The current (Version 1.0) specification requires lower sound levels for
larger fans than for smaller fans, which is contradictory to industry practice. In addition, the
sound level for smaller fans has been lowered to 1.5 sones, compared to 2.0 sones required
in the Version 1.0 specification. This allows for a much quieter fan and many of the efficient
fans found in the marketplace already meet this level. According to the ENERGY STAR
qualified product listing, currently all qualifying models would continue to qualify as ENERGY
STAR under this new requirement. For fans 76 cfm and over, the maximum allowable
sound level was raised from 1.5 sones to 3.0 sones in order to enlarge the pool of eligible
bathroom and utility fans within this airflow range.
3. Installed Fan Performance
All qualifying ventilating fan models, when measured by industry standard testing procedures at
0.25 in. w.g. static pressure, shall deliver a rated airflow (cfm) of at least 75% of the rated airflow
delivered at 0.1 in. w.g. static pressure for that particular model.
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0

-------
Note: It is important that an ENERGY STAR qualified ventilating fan meet consumer's performance
expectations. The inability of a fan to deliver close to its rated airflow when installed can raise quality
concerns. This issue has arisen for ENERGY STAR qualified ventilating fans used in mechanical
ventilation applications, where installed airflow measurements have been reported that are significantly
below rated airflows. Installed airflow reductions occur when the static pressure drop of the installed
duct system is greater than the static pressure used to measure rated airflow. While actual installed
static pressure is beyond the control of the manufacturer, the amount of airflow reduction a fan
experiences under elevated static pressures is controllable. Since this airflow reduction directly affects
the efficacy (CFM/Watt) of a fan when installed, EPA would like to ensure that ENERGY STAR
qualified fans do not suffer from significant reductions of this type. The relevance of this issue is even
more significant with the increasing use of flex ducts in home construction today, leading to ventilating
fans that typically operate at static pressures significantly higher than the 0.1 in. w.g. used by most
manufacturers to rate their fans.
To address this performance issue, EPA first considered switching the reference static pressure for
reporting fan performance (efficacy) from 0.1 to 0.25 in. w.g. However, EPA believes this approach
may lead to confusion, since product literature and directories report the airflow measurement for most
ventilating fans at 0.1 in. w.g. In addition, it would require a new measurement (i.e. fan power at 0.25
in. w.g.), placing an undue burden on manufacturers. Therefore, since EPA's primary interest lies in
installed product performance, EPA is instead proposing that ENERGY STAR qualified ventilating fans
be required to have a measured airflow at 0.25 in. w.g. static pressure that is no less than 75% of the
minimum rated airflow for the fan at 0.1 in. w.g. static pressure. This proposed limit was based on
discussions with HVI regarding typical residential ventilating fan curves. According to HVI, a typical
fan will achieve 75% to 85% of rated flow at 0.1 in. w.g. when the static pressure is increased to 0.25
in. w.g. However, values as low as 20% have been measured in some fans. EPA believes this new
approach will satisfy its need for quality assurance of installed efficacy, without creating confusion or
undue burden to manufacturers, since HVI already performs airflow measurements for fans at both 0.1
and 0.25 in. w.g. To facilitate this, EPA would like to collect airflow data (cfm) measured at 0.25
in. w.g. static pressure for individual models to determine if this requirement is reasonable.
EPA would also like feedback from industry on this approach to assuring that ENERGY STAR
qualified ventilating fans deliver acceptable performance.
C. Inclusion of Installation Instructions: Picture diagram-type installation instructions shall be included
with each qualified ventilating fan. The instructions shall indicate the following:
1.	How to properly seal the fan with caulk or other similar material to inhibit air leakage to the
exterior of the thermal envelope of the building.
2.	Recommended ductwork types, elbows (including radii), terminations, sealants, and lengths
that will minimize static pressure losses and promote adequate airflow.
3.	Proper installation of vibration deadening materials such as short pieces of flexible duct.
4.	Proper installation of insulation around the fan to minimize building heat loss and gain.
Note: EPA has heard from a number of stakeholders that inclusion of installation instructions with
residential ventilating fans is commonplace, and that proper installation is critical to maintain
efficiency and quality. However, manufacturers report anecdotal evidence that a portion of
contractors and end-users do not read these instructions. The intent of requiring picture diagram-
type installation instructions is to reach those contractors or end-users that ordinarily do not or
cannot read text-only installation instructions.
4) Product Testing: Manufacturers are required to perform tests, according to the requirements included
in this Version 2.0 specification, then submit qualifying model information to EPA for approval. The test
results must be reported using the Residential Ventilating Fan Qualified Product Information (QPI) Form.
Manufacturers are required to report fan performance information on the QPI Form using the following
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0	7

-------
units of measure:
A.	Airflow Rating Ccfm'): The airflow of a residential ventilating fan shall be measured in cubic feet per
minute (cfm). The cfm values shall be measured by the method described in HVI Standard 916.
B.	Efficacy (cfm/W): The efficacy of the residential ventilating fan shall be expressed in cubic feet
per minute per Watt (cfm/W). Manufacturers shall calculate efficacy by using the airflow and fan
motor electrical power values determined by HVI Standard 916. Fan motor electrical usage will be
the only energy consumption considered for the efficacy calculation. Energy used for other fan
auxiliaries, such as lights, is not included in the determination of fan efficacy.
C.	Sound Rating (sone): The sound output of a residential ventilating fan is measured in sones. The
sound ratings shall be measured by the method described in HVI Standard 915.
D.	Static Pressure Measurements: Ventilating fan performance characteristics such as motor
wattage, cfm, and sones must be reported to EPA at specific static pressures. These
measurements vary depending upon the fan type and follow HVI 920 rating points.
Measurements shall be conducted in accordance with HVI 920 Product Performance Certification
Procedure Including Verification and Challenge. The static pressure measurements are listed
below.
1.	Ducted products (products with one duct such as bathroom fans, utility fans, and kitchen
range hoods): 0.1 in. w.g. static pressure
a.	Partner must also test and report products at 0.25 in. w.g. static pressure for airflow (cfm)
b.	Partner is not required to test sound levels or wattage at 0.25 in. w.g. static pressure
2.	Direct discharge (non-ducted) products: 0.03 in. w.g. static pressure
Note: This new requirement of static pressure test conditions has been added to the specification to
assure that all units being tested are done so using the same static pressure difference, since
industry members are permitted to report rated airflows at different static pressures. The
recommendation to include this came from both manufacturers and HVI. In addition, a 0.25 in. w.g.
static pressure measurement requirement has been included for ducted products to reflect new
performance requirements presented in Section 3.B.3. It is EPA's understanding that manufacturers
currently perform tests at various static pressure levels and have this data in existing testing reports.
Although HVI does not require manufacturers to report static pressure results outside of the required
0.1 in. w.g. static pressure; it is EPA's intention to require fan airflow measured at 0.25 in. w.g. in its
Qualified Product Information (QPI) form for qualifying ventilating fan models. Note: while the 0.25
in. w.g. airflow value will be required by the QPI form, this value will not be posted to the
ENERGY STAR Web site; only the 0.1 in. w.g. airflow will be included in the qualifying
product list.
5) Effective Date: The date that manufacturers may begin to qualify products as ENERGY STAR under
the Version 2.0 specification will be defined as the effective date of this agreement. The ENERGY
STAR Residential Ventilating Fans (Version 2.0) specification shall go into effect on TBD. Any
previously executed agreement on the subject of ENERGY STAR qualified residential ventilating fans
shall be terminated effective TBD.
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0

-------
Note: EPA recognizes that manufacturers will need some lead time to: (1) identify the lamp/ballast
combinations they are currently using and then select light sources that qualify; (2) make changes to
existing units with night lights; and (3) produce new product literature, installation documents, and
packaging. According to industry sources, ventilating fans typically remain on the retailer shelves for
six to nine months and four to six months in the manufacturer's warehouse. Based on this
preliminary information, it has been recommended to EPA that the effective date be at least six to
nine months from the time the Version 2.0 specification is finalized to allow sufficient lead time to re-
qualify existing products or qualify new products. EPA is interested in discussing this effective
date further; as such, manufacturers are encouraged to submit comments and/or
suggestions on this issue.
A.	Qualifying and Labeling Products under the Version 2.0 Specification: All products, including
models originally qualified under Version 1.0 with a date of manufacture after TBD, must meet
Version 2.0 requirements in order to use the ENERGY STAR on the product or in product
literature. The date of manufacture is specific to each unit, and is the date on which a unit is
considered to be completely assembled.
B.	Elimination of Automatic Grandfathering: Under Version 2.0, ENERGY STAR has made
significant changes with regard to product qualification and labeling during specification
transitions. ENERGY STAR qualification under Version 2.0 is not automatically granted for
the life of the product model. To be qualified as ENERGY STAR, a product model must meet
the ENERGY STAR specification in effect on the date of manufacture.
Note: Energy Star has made this important programmatic change for two reasons:
1.	To deliver on expectations about Energy Star by ensuring that the products perform at
levels promised by the program.
2.	To ensure that Energy Star's ability to differentiate more efficient products is not
undermined by high percentages of labeled products qualifying at less stringent performance
levels.
6) Future Specification Revisions: Energy Star reserves the right to revise the specification should
technological and/or market changes affect its usefulness to consumers, industry, or the environment.
In keeping with current policy, revisions to the specification are arrived at through discussions with
industry.
DRAFT 1 ENERGY STAR Program Requirements for Residential Ventilating Fans - Version 2.0

-------