Big Ass Fans
Big Ass Fans entered the commercial business market in 2008, debuting a line of fans ranging from to in diameter. The following year, it began manufacturing fans in sizes suitable for residential settings. In late 2011, Big Ass Fans acquired a manufacturer of energy efficient residential fans. Haiku models incorporate direct current, permanent magnetics and aerodynamic airfoils making them 80% more efficient than conventional ceiling fans. They held the top 10 spots on Energy Star's Most Efficient 2014 list. In 2014, the company added smart technology SenseME to the Haiku ceiling fan. Haiku with SenseME integrates with the Nest Learning Thermostat through a smartphone app.
Chilled beam
The primary advantage of the chilled beam system is its lower operating cost. For example, because the temperature of cooled water is higher than the temperature of cooled air, but it delivers the same cooling ability, the costs of the cooled water system are lower. Because cooling and heating of air are no longer linked to the delivery of air, buildings also save money by being able to run fewer air circulation fans and at lower speeds. One estimate places the amount of air handled at 25 to 50 percent less using chilled beam systems. By being able to target the delivery of clean outdoor air where it is needed (rather than injecting it into the entire system and heating or cooling it), there is a reduced need to treat large amounts of outdoor air (also saving money). In one case, the Genomic Science Building at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill lowered its HVAC costs by 20 percent with an active chilled beam system. This is a typical energy cost savings. Chilled beam systems also have some advantages in that they are almost noiseless, require little maintenance, and are highly efficient. Traditional fan-driven HVAC systems create somewhat higher air velocities, which some people find uncomfortable. Chilled beam HVAC systems also require less ceiling space than forced-air HVAC systems, which can lead to lower building heights and higher ceilings. Since they do not require high forced air flows, chilled beam systems also require reduced air distribution duct networks (which also helps to lower cost).