Thanks to technological advancements, modern furnaces come equipped with plenty of innovative features that make them far more effective, stable, and energy-efficient. They are capable of delivering the best level and quality of comfort possible. Easily the best option you have, if your home requires a heating system installation, is a variable-speed furnace. If you want to learn more, we have prepared a short guide below to help you discover its benefits.
Understanding How the Variable Speed Furnace Works
Contents
Variable-speed furnaces are capable of running at different speeds to meet heating demands and optimize indoor air conditions. These furnaces use an ECM (electronically commutated motor) blower. The ECM runs on DC (direct current) power and has a built-in inverter and magnet rotor. In general, ECMs are cheaper to run and maintain. Although a variable-speed furnace has a high upfront cost compared to a single-stage furnace, it has a shorter payback period, which means you can expect a return on your investment in just four or five years.
A variable-speed furnace keeps track of and analyzes data that your HVAC system collects, then automatically adjusts the speed to optimize indoor comfort. It also works well in regulating air circulation in your home, making the necessary adjustments to compensate for things such as dirty filters and blocked vents. It does so by making adjustments to the fan speed when and if necessary. Unlike conventional furnaces, variable-speed furnaces take time to achieve full speed. As a result, it is far quieter and runs much more smoothly compared to conventional furnaces. Variable-speed furnaces also consume less energy. Compare that with conventional furnaces that run at full speed.
Single-Speed vs. Two-Stage vs. Variable-Speed
A single-speed or stage furnace runs at full speed/capacity from the time it is turned on to the time it is turned off. It does not automatically compensate for the airflow indoors when it has yet to reach the preferred temperature setting on the thermostat. With a two-stage furnace, the system operates in two phases – low and high. When the system is running on low, it also conserves energy since it uses up the minimum amount necessary to generate heat sufficiently. Only when it has to generate more heat based on outdoor temperature readings that the unit transitions to the next phase. This allows it to keep indoor temperatures at a comfortable level. Two-stage furnaces operate at an average of 25% capacity, which means it produces less noise and carbon dioxide compared to a single-stage unit.
Variable-speed furnaces, on the other hand, have a higher efficiency rating and better energy savings features. They come with an ECM, a computerized blower motor that can monitor airflow and automatically regulate it. The blower motor is the reason why the variable-speed furnace can deliver excellent energy efficiency, consistent heating output, and improved indoor comfort levels.
How Variable-Speed Furnaces Increase the Efficiency of Your Home
Since variable-speed heating systems have precise control over airflow, they are capable of even distribution of heat and humidity throughout the home. As a result, you enjoy better comfort levels indoors.
Variable-speed heating systems use up 2/3 less power but perform better compared to single-speed furnaces. Since variable-speed furnaces operate at low capacity for much of its daily operation, it also does not produce a lot of noise. When required, these furnaces gradually speed up, which means it can minimize any fluctuations in the quality of the air.
Most variable-speed furnaces have smart thermostats that can be set to automatically control blower motor speed. Smart thermostats are designed to allow zoning for your home via your HVAC system. As a result, you can heat/cool different areas of the home as desired without worrying about blocking vents or wasting energy.
Thanks to its built-in features, a variable-speed heating system can provide accurate temperature control for your home. With varying speeds and longer running cycles, the furnace is capable of efficient response to any changes in the temperature indoors. As a result, you get to enjoy a consistent flow of hot air inside your home, without having to contend with warm air pockets on upper floors.
Additional Benefits You Will Enjoy With Variable-Speed Furnaces
There are a number of advantages that a variable-speed furnace can offer, such as:
- Clean Indoor Air – With a properly functioning blower motor, a variable-speed heating system will push air through the air filters where any particulates will be trapped. The air that is released into the home is clean and healthy, meaning it improves indoor air quality.
- Better Humidity Control – Variable-speed furnaces are extremely effective in controlling indoor humidity, which means you can rely on them to provide high-quality comfort. For homes that have historically had problems with high humidity, a variable-speed heating system is the best choice since it not only provides better comfort but also reduces the issues associated with high humidity such as the growth of mold and mildew and increased allergen concentrations.
Conclusion
Variable-speed furnaces are controlled by a computer that monitors and analyzes airflow in your home. The system then makes adjustments to the motor speed automatically, hence ensuring optimized indoor comfort levels. Variable-speed systems are also more energy-efficient, offer more precise temperature control, and are environmentally-friendly. Additionally, variable-speed heating systems also consume less energy and are more durable.
Call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning For Superior Home Comfort Services
A variable-speed furnace offers so much more in terms of functionality and energy efficiency. If you want to enjoy better indoor comfort levels at home, get in touch with one of our technicians to discuss your heating needs.
At PFO Heating & Air Conditioning, we ensure that we only offer the best heating and cooling services for clients in the Greater Princeton, NJ area. All our technicians are professionally certified, which means that every service they perform is top-notch. We offer only the best services, from HVAC installations and tune-ups to replacements and repairs. With highly skilled and experienced technicians, you can expect precise, correct, and timely services for your HVAC needs.
We also guarantee competitive costs – the best in the area. That way, you are not only assured of comfort, safety, and energy efficiency but also of energy-saving efficacy. We only have your safety and satisfaction in mind. If you want to find out more about our services, call PFO Heating & Air Conditioning for your free in-home estimate.
Click here to contact us now or call us at (800) 253-9001 to find out more!