February 27, 2026
As temperatures rise across India, electric fans become essential household items. However, with numerous models available in the market, consumers face increasing challenges in selecting energy-efficient products. Since July 1, 2022, India has implemented mandatory energy efficiency standards for electric fans, requiring all domestically produced, imported, or sold fans to meet strict energy performance criteria.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under India's Ministry of Power, established the IS 374:2019 standard as the benchmark for electric fan energy efficiency ratings. This comprehensive standard evaluates fan safety, performance, and energy consumption through rigorous testing protocols.
At the core of this evaluation system lies the "Service Value" metric, which serves as the primary indicator of a fan's energy efficiency. This crucial measurement represents the ratio between airflow output (measured in cubic meters per minute) and power consumption (in watts). Higher service values indicate more efficient fans that deliver greater airflow with less electricity.
| No. | Fan Blade Size (mm) | Minimum Airflow (m³/min) | Minimum Service Value (m³/min/W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 900 | 130 | 3.1 |
| 2 | 1050 | 150 | 3.1 |
| 3 | 1200 | 210 | 4.0 |
| 4 | 1400 | 245 | 4.1 |
| 5 | 1500 | 270 | 4.3 |
| Star Rating | Service Value Range (Blade Size <1200mm) | Service Value Range (1200mm) | Service Value Range (1400mm) | Service Value Range (1500mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Star | ≥ 3.1 to < 3.6 | ≥ 4.0 to < 4.5 | ≥ 4.1 to < 4.5 | ≥ 4.3 to < 4.5 |
| 2 Star | ≥ 3.6 to < 4.1 | ≥ 4.5 to < 5.0 | ≥ 4.5 to < 5.0 | ≥ 4.5 to < 5.0 |
| 3 Star | ≥ 4.1 to < 4.6 | ≥ 5.0 to < 5.5 | ≥ 5.0 to < 5.5 | ≥ 5.0 to < 5.5 |
| 4 Star | ≥ 4.6 to < 5.1 | ≥ 5.5 to < 6.0 | ≥ 5.5 to < 6.0 | ≥ 5.5 to < 6.0 |
| 5 Star | ≥ 5.1 | ≥ 6.0 | ≥ 6.0 | ≥ 6.0 |
Manufacturers employ various strategies to enhance fan efficiency, focusing primarily on two key areas: increasing airflow while reducing power consumption.
Modern fan blades increasingly adopt aerodynamic profiles inspired by aircraft wing designs. These advanced shapes reduce air resistance while increasing airflow output. Key considerations include:
- Implementing airfoil-shaped blades instead of traditional flat designs
- Carefully balancing blade length and quantity to optimize sweep area
- Fine-tuning blade pitch angles (typically 12-15 degrees for household fans)
- Incorporating surface textures to manipulate airflow patterns
The transition to Brushless DC (BLDC) motors represents a significant advancement in fan technology. These motors offer superior energy efficiency compared to traditional induction or PMDC motors through:
- Electronic commutation eliminating mechanical friction losses
- High-purity copper windings minimizing electrical resistance
- Advanced winding configurations improving torque and efficiency
- Temperature-resistant insulation materials enhancing durability
Beyond core components, several factors contribute to overall fan efficiency:
- Standby power consumption reduction
- Implementation of smart control systems
- Adoption of variable frequency drive technology
- Regular maintenance to prevent dust accumulation
- Careful selection of high-quality bearings and switches
The implementation of India's energy efficiency standards for electric fans represents a significant step toward sustainable energy consumption. As technology continues to advance, manufacturers face ongoing challenges to develop increasingly efficient cooling solutions while meeting consumer expectations for performance and affordability.