Starting July 3, 2019, new U.S. Department of Energy FER (fan efficiency rating) standards designed to help curb carbon emissions and energy costs will go into effect. Furnace Part on Speckled Cement To meet these new standards, furnace manufacturers are changing to electronically commutated motors (ECMs) to power the fans contained in most types of furnaces. ECM fans are more expensive and the higher cost will be reflected in the prices consumers will pay for a new furnace. The good news is, consumers will reap the benefits of ECM technology including more customized comfort control and saving money through reduced energy use. The Department of Energy estimates that new FER standards will reduce carbon pollution by around 34 million metric tons by 2030. In electricity, this would be enough to power 4.7 million homes for a year.