What types of efficiencies contribute to energy costs in air systems?

The correct choice focuses on fan efficiency, drive efficiency, and motor efficiency, which are critical factors in determining the energy costs associated with air systems.

Fan efficiency refers to how effectively a fan converts electrical energy into airflow. Higher fan efficiency means that less energy is wasted, which contributes to lower energy costs. Drive efficiency, often linked to the mechanisms that transfer power to the fan, also plays a crucial role. If the drive mechanism is efficient, it reduces the amount of energy consumed to achieve the same level of airflow. Motor efficiency is equally important since it relates to how effectively the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. Inefficient motors can significantly increase energy costs, as more energy is required to perform the same task.

The other options highlight different aspects that are important for overall system performance but do not directly relate to the energy costs contributed by mechanical operation of air systems. Filter efficiency deals with the air quality and how well the filters remove contaminants but does not inherently address energy use. Duct efficiency pertains to airflow dynamics in the duct system, and thermal efficiency relates to energy losses due to heating or cooling processes. Similarly, noise reduction, output capacity, and maintenance efficiency are relevant to operational performance and user experience, but they do not directly affect energy consumption