Be efficient with motors

It’s surprising how many types of equipment use motors. They’re everywhere – in your microwave, air conditioner, fridge, air compressors, pumps and exhaust fans. According to Ausgrid, three-phase motors could be responsible for up to 40% of the total electricity consumed by commercial and industrial businesses in Australia.^[1]

The annual cost of operating an electric motor can be 10 times the purchase price.^[2] That’s why it makes business sense to:

Turn them off –  Reducing the running costs of your existing motors can be as simple as turning them off when they’re not in use.

Get advice –  If your business uses a large number of motors, you should bring in a motor specialist or EcoSmart Electrician to audit your existing set-up. They can:

• show you how to improve the efficiency and running costs of your existing motors
• maintain your motors to maximise their ongoing efficiency
• advise you on whether you need to upgrade your motor set-up

Optimise your system –  An expert can help to optimise the way that motors are being used in your business from a ‘whole-of-system’ approach. When you optimise motor-driven systems and implement best-practice motor management and maintenance, savings of up to 30% can be achieved.^[3]

Buy the most efficient motor(s) possible – According to Ausgrid, a high efficiency motor can have an efficiency of around 80-96%. However, many small, poor quality motors for items such as exhaust fans, can have efficiencies as low as 50%. Low efficiency motors means higher running costs and higher bills.

A motor specialist or EcoSmart Electrician can advise you on motor purchases.