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Why FEI (Fan Energy Index) is the Future of Fan Efficiency in Commercial Buildings.

When it comes to energy efficiency, most building owners and engineers want real answers — not outdated metrics. For years, the FEG (Fan Energy Grade) rating was used to indicate fan efficiency, but let’s be honest: it never truly reflected how fans perform in the real world.

Enter FEI— the Fan Energy Index — a much smarter, more practical way to evaluate fan energy use based on how fans are actually applied in commercial buildings.

At ACI Mechanical, we work with hospitals, schools, universities, and countless other commercial facilities where HVAC systems aren’t just a comfort feature — they’re critical infrastructure. That’s why we advocate for using FEI to select fans. It gives engineers and owners a clear picture of how much energy a fan will use under actual field conditions, not just in a lab.

Here’s why FEI matters:

✅ It reflects real operating points — not full throttle only ones.

✅ It encourages better fan selection and system design.

✅ It helps owners visualize long-term energy and cost savings.

✅ It aligns with how modern building systems are engineered and maintained.

FEI selections are the law now and it’s how we help our clients deliver sustainable, high-performing buildings every day.

Want to learn more about how proper fan selection can cut energy costs in your facility? Let’s talk.

In an increasingly digitized world, the demand for data centers in the USA has reached unprecedented levels. This surge in data center construction is fueled by AI, and the ever-expanding need for data storage, processing power, and connectivity. However, one aspect of data center growth that often goes unnoticed but is pivotal to their success is cooling.

Data centers generate a substantial amount of heat due to the constant operation of servers, networking equipment, and other hardware. To maintain optimal performance and prevent overheating, efficient cooling systems are essential. As data center infrastructure expands across the country, addressing cooling needs has become a paramount concern.

The soaring demand for data centers has led to innovations in cooling technology. Traditional methods, such as air conditioning, are still widely used, but they are gradually being supplemented or replaced by more sustainable solutions like liquid cooling and free cooling. These innovations not only enhance energy efficiency but also reduce environmental impact.

Another emerging trend in data center construction is the location choice. Data centers are increasingly being built in regions with naturally lower temperatures, such as northern states, to reduce the need for extensive cooling systems. This not only minimizes operational costs but also aligns with environmental sustainability goals. Population trends are moving against this direction, so we will see how it all plays out.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, data center construction growth in the USA remains inevitable. However, the key to sustaining this growth lies in developing efficient and eco-friendly cooling solutions that keep pace with the ever-increasing demands of the digital age. Addressing cooling needs is not just a challenge; it’s a crucial step towards a more sustainable and connected future.

Our commercial HVAC product lead-times are all over the place. GRDs, terminal units and noise control from Price Industries had best in class lead-times, some under three weeks with quick ships in a day or two.

Large rooftops, chillers and VFDs still have longer than normal lead-times. Electronic components stress the supply chain from our suppliers like Carrier, Yaskawa, and Johnson Controls. Commercial and industrial fans from Twin City and PennBarry are coming at industry leading lead-times.

The team at ACI has opted to stock more products and grow warehousing capabilities to buffer the negative impacts of long lead-times. A side bonus is our ability to stage large, complex projects in Portland and Seattle.

I asked ChatBGT to “tell me about HVAC in Seattle”, here is what it wrote:

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In Seattle, the climate is generally mild, with cool and rainy winters, and mild summers. However, in the summer months, temperatures can sometimes rise to the high 80s or even 90s, which can make air conditioning a necessity for many buildings and homes.

As Seattle is located in the Pacific Northwest, it has a moderate climate, with mild winters and cool summers, which means that HVAC systems in Seattle are primarily used for heating rather than cooling. Many buildings in Seattle use electric heating systems, which can be more efficient and cost-effective than traditional fossil fuel-burning systems.

However, there are also buildings that require cooling systems, especially in commercial and industrial buildings, where the internal heat generated by machinery and computers can raise the temperature inside. In those cases, buildings typically use central air conditioning systems that use refrigerant to cool the air and circulate it throughout the building.

In general, HVAC systems in Seattle must be designed to handle the region’s rainy and humid weather, which can cause issues with mold, mildew, and corrosion if not properly maintained. Building owners and managers should make sure to schedule regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that their HVAC systems are operating efficiently and effectively.

While not amazing or exciting, this description is right on! I can see what schools might ban open.ai for students, but I am trying to find a way for it to help our business.