What’s the Story with Variable Speed Pump Motors?

In the current climate companies that reduce the environmental footprint of their commercial pumps will have a competitive advantage on the market. Environmental responsibility is becoming an important factor in purchasing decisions. However, pump motors can be environmentally friendly and deliver the required performance without additional costs.  

Recent changes 

The U.S. Department of Energy has mandated the use of variable speed motors in pumps rated at 5 hp and below as of July 2021. For some people, this was good news. After all, variable speed drives and high efficiency motors can result in significant energy savings, which translates into monetary and environmental gains. The efficiency was not necessarily the problem. The issue was the fact that variable speed drives weren’t mandated before and a need to comply created a need to quickly find acceptable replacements.  

When shopping around for a replacement of existing systems, it’s easy to miss brand-new options, smaller companies, and inventive sustainable solutions. Especially when there is a deadline hanging over the purchaser’s head.  

What’s more, some companies, manufacturers, and operators consider sustainable pumps to be too expensive or not powerful enough, but there are technologies that can address these worries successfully. Searching for options that are more efficient and easier for consumers to operate is a given. What’s more, if the more efficient pump motor is scalable, it might even be appropriate for industrial applications. But at the very least, within the pool and spa markets, new tech should be employed when pumps need to be replaced. 

A greener future 

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that residential pool pumps alone use 9-14 billion kWh per year. Variable speed pumps are greener. Their efficiency means more sustainable products and operations that save money on energy bills. There really aren’t any negative sides when it comes to becoming more sustainable and more efficient.