A typical HVAC system accounts for 40–60% of a facility’s total energy use, and fans and pumps are often the biggest contributors. Here’s the part many building owners never realize:

Reducing fan speed from 100% to 80% can cut energy consumption by nearly 50%.

Yet without proper VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) control, most fans and pumps run at full speed all day—even when demand is low.

Upgrading to modern HVAC drives can reduce energy use by 20–50%, minimize equipment noise, improve comfort, and extend mechanical life. Below, you’ll find the 10 best HVAC VFDs from Industrial Automation Co. for AHUs, pumps, cooling towers, and rooftop systems.

What Makes a Drive Truly HVAC-Efficient?

Not all VFDs are built for building systems. The best HVAC drives include:

✔ Optimized fan/pump control modes

Variable torque, energy-optimization algorithms, and smart PID loops

✔ Built-in BMS communication

BACnet, Modbus, or Ethernet-based building automation protocols

✔ Demand-based sleep/wake logic

Automatically shuts off equipment when not needed

✔ Harmonic mitigation

Low-harmonic topologies or optional filters to protect power quality

✔ Application-specific enclosures

IP20 for mechanical rooms, IP55/IP66 for rooftops and exterior locations

Top 10 HVAC Drives from Industrial Automation Co.

Below is a refined list with clearer explanations, ideal applications, and quick energy-saving insights.

1. ABB ACH580-01-012A-4

Best for small fans and pumps (entry-level AHU retrofit)

Why it stands out:

HVAC macros for rapid startup
Energy-optimized motor control
Easy I/O and control integration

Ideal for: Small AHUs, booster pumps, terminal units
Energy Tip: Great for pilot projects—quick ROI and minimal installation effort.

2. ABB ACH580-01-014A-4

Workhorse drive for medium-sized AHUs

Key benefits:

High-efficiency fan control
Reduced belt, bearing, and damper wear
Straightforward parameter setup

Ideal for: Supply/return fans in medium AHUs
Energy Tip: Standardizing on this size simplifies training and spares.

3. ABB ACH580-01-023A-4

Versatile choice for large fans and pumps

Perfect for:

Large AHUs
Primary/secondary chilled water pumps
Cooling tower fans

Energy Tip: Fine speed control on tower fans often results in major kW reductions during mild weather.

4. ABB ACH550-UH-038A-4

Legacy-friendly choice for 25 HP retrofits

Benefits:

Optimized for HVAC torque profiles
Seamless replacement for existing ACH550 units
Great partial-load efficiency

Ideal for: Facilities already using the ACH550 family
Energy Tip: Extends life of legacy equipment without re-engineering control systems.

5. ABB ACH550-UH-059A-4

Heavy-duty option for large AHUs and cooling towers (40 HP)

Advantages:

Reliable control for high-inertia fans
Smooth ramps to protect mechanical components
Designed for demanding air-moving applications

Ideal for: Big AHUs, tower fan banks
Energy Tip: One of the fastest-payback upgrades for aging constant-speed fans.

6. Invertek ODV-3-240095-3F1E-MN

Outdoor-rated, compact rooftop drive (IP66)

Why it’s great outdoors:

IP66 weatherproof enclosure
Integrated disconnect
Built-in EMC filtering

Ideal for: Small RTU fans, outdoor coils, make-up air units
Energy Tip: Eliminates long conduit runs, cutting installation costs.

7. Invertek ODV-3-340240-3F1E-MN

Mid-range outdoor drive for 15 HP rooftop equipment

Benefits:

Outdoor-rated IP66 protection
Local lockout/tagout capability
Smooth, quiet fan operation

Ideal for: Larger rooftop fans or exterior pump systems
Energy Tip: Reducing rooftop fan speed by 10–20% significantly cuts noise pollution.

8. Invertek ODV-3-440460-3F1E-MN

High-power outdoor drive for 30 HP cooling towers

Strengths:

Built for harsh exterior environments
Excellent for large variable-torque loads
Reduces cycling and stress on tower gearboxes

Ideal for: Cooling towers, main exhaust fans, large outdoor equipment
Energy Tip: Slowing a 30 HP tower fan to 70% speed can cut energy use by nearly half.

9. Invertek ODV-3-621500-3F1N-MN

High-capacity drive for 50 HP pumps and fans

Great for:

Chilled water pumps
Condenser water pumps
Large supply/exhaust fans

Energy Tip: Even a 5–10% speed reduction on a 50 HP pump saves thousands per year.

10. Danfoss FC111 (VLT® HVAC Drive Series)

Compact, reliable drive for small to mid-sized HVAC loads

Key features:

Optimized HVAC energy modes
Integrated RFI filtering
Slim IP20 design

Ideal for: Small mechanical rooms, retrofit panels, campuses standardized on Danfoss
Energy Tip: Excellent choice where electrical noise sensitivity is a concern.

How to Choose the Right HVAC Drive

Before selecting a drive, consider:

1. Load Type

Fan or pump? Variable-torque or constant-torque?
(HVAC loads typically benefit most from variable-torque optimization.)

2. Environment

Mechanical room (IP20)
Rooftop/outdoor pad (IP55–IP66)
Washdown-adjacent zones

3. Control Method

Analog stand-alone control
BMS integration via BACnet/Modbus

4. Power Conditions

Voltage, short-circuit rating, harmonic limits, and available cooling.

5. Future Expansion

Will additional pumps, fans, or smart sequencing be added later?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

To ensure the highest efficiency and reliability:

Avoid oversizing—it reduces turndown efficiency
Verify harmonics limits—sensitive facilities may need filtering
Match the enclosure to the environment
Check motor lead length requirements, especially outdoors

These prevent common retrofit issues and ensure long-term performance.

Key Takeaways

Modern HVAC drives typically save 20–50% energy on fans and pumps
Choosing the right drive requires understanding load type, environment, and controls
Outdoor-rated VFDs reduce installation costs and simplify retrofits
ABB, Danfoss, and Invertek offer reliable, HVAC-specific models across all capacities

Ready to Reduce Energy Spend? We Can Help.

If you need help selecting the best drive for an AHU, pump, or cooling tower, the team at Chief Automation Co. can review your:

Nameplate data
Load profiles
Environment
Power conditions

…and recommend a short list of optimal retrofit options.

Your Guide to the Top 10 HVAC Drives for High-Efficiency Upgrades