Model Regulation Guidelines for Energy-Efficient Ceiling Fans

These “Model Regulation Guidelines for Energy-Efficient Ceiling Fans” provide voluntary guidance for
governments in developing and emerging economies that are considering a regulatory or legislative
framework that requires new ceiling fans to be energy efficient. It covers products commonly used in
residential and light commercial applications. The accompanying Supporting Information Annex
describes the underlying rationale and methodologies.
Ceiling fans are a low-cost cooling option compared to air-conditioning that enhance indoor comfort with
power consumption of typically less than 90 watts compared to room air-conditioning systems typically
up to 1,500 watts. In countries such as India, ceiling fans make up a substantial portion of residential
electricity demand. Ceiling fans offer a cooling effect through increased air movement that can offset
demand for air-conditioning, allowing a higher temperature set point for air-conditioners and in some
cases mitigating the need for air-conditioners altogether. Annual global sales of ceiling fans are around
US$8 billion, and in most markets these products are unregulated beyond basic safety requirements, so
there is a great opportunity to reduce electricity waste, including peak energy demand on the electricity
grid.