The report, Opportunities for Energy Savings in the Residential and Commercial Sectors with High-Efficiency Electric Motors, estimates that there are at least 1 billion motors in buildings in major service applications, and at least another billion small motors in applications of low energy significance.

Although trends for increased comfort, convenience, and health will increase the number of motors in use, the report notes that more than 2 quadrillion Btu can be saved by using more efficient motors and variable-speed drives.

This report will assist DOE in prioritizing its building equipment research and development programs by identifying energy-saving technologies to pursue.