The Ceiling Fan Energy Index (CFEI) is the Air Movement and Control Association’s (AMCA) standardized measurement showing how efficiently a fan uses energy to move air. While CFEI is now the primary metric used to measure ceiling fan efficiency, it still incorporates CFM (cubic feet per minute) as a component in its calculation. Fans are evaluated operating at both 40% and 100% speed. This is to show the range of efficiency for a fan and acknowledges that many fans won’t operate at 100% speed 100% of the time.
Higher CFEI numbers = better energy efficiency.
Analogy
Think of Cubic Feet per Minute (CFM) and CFEI like a car’s performance metrics.
- CFM is like a car’s top speed - it shows how fast the car can go.
- CFEI is like miles per gallon - it shows how efficiently the car uses fuel.
- A sports car may boast an impressive top speed (high CFM) but guzzle gas (low CFEI).
- A commuter car can be high fuel efficient (high CFEI) but lack power for high speeds (lower CFM).
Often people choose a car balancing both factors; the same approach can be applied to HVLS fans.
Why CFEI Matters
- Ensures fair, consistent comparisons across brands and avoids self-reported figures
- Supports energy savings, rebate eligibility, and LEED points
- Encourages smarter purchasing decisions
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