Frequently Asked Questions

• I want to inventory my motor population and implement a plan of action. How do I begin?
• How do I know if my company pays the System Benefits Charge?
• I can rebuild my large horsepower motors for much less money than the cost of a new one, so why should I spend more for a new one?
• I need to replace a motor that runs intermittently during one shift of operation. Should I purchase a premium efficiency motor?
• How much will I save if I replace a 20 HP motor that runs full-time with a qualifying NEMA Premium^® model?

I want to inventory my motor population and implement a plan of action. How do I begin?

If you have a motor dealer that you deal with frequently and he's participating in the program, ask for his help. If you don't have a preselected motor dealer call the Motor Hotline toll-free at 800-388-9294 and we'll be glad to get you started.

How do I know if my company pays the System Benefits Charge?

It's shown on your electric bill. If you have any questions or can't locate the charge, call your electric utility.

I can rebuild my large horsepower motors for much less money than the cost of a new one, so why should I spend more for a new one?

It's probably NOT cheaper when you consider the operating costs.

A typical older 100 HP motor at full load, continuous operation, costs over $70,000 per year to operate. Using a NEMA Premium^® motor could save you $1,400 each and every year. Calculate the cost of running your motor. If you are running it at least one full shift per year, the cost of electricity becomes the real expense. The motor costs little compared to the power it uses.

Click here for free Department of Energy MotorMaster+ software to analyze your motors.

Lab tests show that motor efficiency may be reduced by 1% to 2% during motor repair. You might be better off with a new premium efficiency motor. If your motor shop can certify that your motor will be equal to or more efficient than a qualifying premium efficiency motor, then go with the rebuild. If not, purchase a new premium efficiency motor and reap the savings in power for years to come.

I need to replace a motor that runs intermittently during one shift of operation. Should I purchase a premium efficiency motor?

Here's the one place you can save a few dollars up front and not increase your utility bill. The best use of an EPAct motor is in a low-use application. The logic is simple. If the motor is not running, it's not using power, so efficiency has much less of an impact.

How much will I save if I replace a 20 HP motor that runs full-time with a qualifying NEMA Premium^® model?

How much you will save depends on the actual load and your cost of power. A typical older 20 HP electric motor running at full load in continuous operation costs over $14,000 per year to operate. Replacing with a qualifying NEMA premium^® efficient motor could save over $300 every year on electric power. *

* Savings based on 1800 rpm, TEFC motors at 75% load. Energy cost = $.10 per kWh. Compares motors that meet or exceed CEE efficiency standard versus pre-EPAct standard motor. Individual motor savings will vary.

Source: DOE Motor Master + software