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Exhaust fans are required for any kitchen and commercial space, but there are different guidelines and codes that are required based on the application for the exhaust system, the building type, local building codes, and much more. When it comes to fans specifically there are also several different model types - Exhaust Fans, Make-Up Air Fans, Downblast Fans, Hurricane / Seismic Rated Fans, and more - all with their own specific use-case and feature sets. As exhaust fan types and the technology has increased so has the need for more energy efficient fan types. Between the customers wanting a fan set up that costs less per month in energy costs, and the local governments implementing energy efficient standards for environmental reasons, new technology has come to the market that allows for more energy efficient, higher performing exhaust fan systems.

Back in 1975 the US Congress started to pass legislation in the effort to improve energy efficiency due to the increases being seen not only in energy use but the high energy costs. Instead of passing nationwide codes and requirements Congress tasked each state with addressing and establishing energy efficiency guidelines. That same year the commercial building energy standard known as ANSI/ASHRAE 90.1 was created by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). This energy standard was put in place in a dynamic fashion, meaning that the guidelines that were set in place are ever changing so that as time goes on and technology gets better the guidelines can change with the ti...