Are variable frequency drives the new LEDs?

Variable frequency drives, or VFDs, are a technology that seemingly fit a similar profile to LEDs. Like LEDs, VFDs have prescriptive incentives in virtually every C&I energy efficiency program in the U.S. Like LEDs, their energy-saving ability is unquestioned, easily achieving between 30 percent and 55 percent kWh savings, depending on the application. And, like LEDs, the VFD market potential is huge. The U.S. Energy Information Agency (EIA) reports that about half of all U.S. commercial buildings were constructed before 1980, making it likely there are VFDs installed on the HVAC motors in those buildings.