ECM motors are very high efficiency (65% to 80%) electric motors and maintain a high efficiency level at part speed. This means that in most cases they use from less than one third to one half of the electricity used by traditional shade pole and  induction motors used in the ventilation and refrigeration industries, which in turn translates into lower operating costs and short payback periods.

ECM motors' high efficiency also means that the motors run "cool", and dramatically reduce the amount of waste heat produced. High efficiency at the motor level also typically translates in reduced operation at the compressor level, which allows further energy savings.

ECM motors also have a wider operating range than traditional shade pole & induction motors, which means that one ECM motor can replace a number of shade pole & induction motor models. In this way, the number of models required by a typical customer is significantly decreased, which decreases and simplifies inventory. This is the main reason why ECM product lines usually include less motor models than their induction counterparts.

In terms of speed control and features, because the motor's operation is controlled by software, ECM motors allow customers to optimize and integrate the motor, fan and controller with the application, and to include features like data communications, constant volume control, variable speed, etc.

ECM motors are also quieter than traditional inefficient motors, have longer design life and require less maintenance.