What Is a Variable Speed Furnace or Air Handler?
What Is a Variable Speed Furnace or Air Handler? When you hear “Variable Speed,” it refers to the motor that is inside your furnace or air handler. It is a type of electronically commutated motor or better known as ECM.
ECMs perform more efficiently than any other A/C motors. They are also low maintenance and energy-efficient. Due to their efficiency their operating costs are lower. Although the initial investment is higher than with a traditional furnace, in the long run, a variable speed furnace will pay you back year after year.
How Does It Work?
Unlike static conventional fan motors, a variable motor can function at different speeds to control the flow of heated or cooled air throughout your home precisely. When you have a better airflow balance, that means you also have better temperature and humidity balance.
Using modern technology, it is continuously communicating with your heating and cooling system. Necessary adjustments are automatically applied as needed to make sure your come reaches the desired comfort level. It merely distributes airflow as needed and when required to make sure your home is comfortable.
A supplemental bonus: variable speed motors increase to full speed gradually. This will eliminate the sharp, sudden and loud buzz that is associated with standard furnace motors. Not to mention, it also reduces the force applied on the mounting hardware helping it last so much longer.
What Is a Two-Stage Furnace?
When compared to a single-stage furnace, a two-stage furnace performs much more efficiently. It satisfies your home and family’s needs by providing the right amount of heat. Not to mention that it will not operate at 100% capacity every time you use it. That makes a two-stage furnace much quieter and more environmentally friendly. The two-stage furnace won’t create as much carbon dioxide emissions for the environment as other types of furnaces.
How Does It Work?
In the average climate, the first stage will operate for the majority of the time, and run only at about 65% of the furnace’s capacity. Once the outside environment becomes extremely cold, then the second stage will kick in to support with additional heat for comfortable temperatures in your home. The ability to use heat as needed, allows your home to reduce air fluctuations, and warm air is spread out more evenly.
In most cases, two-stage furnaces will remain in the low stage for moderate-temperature days, which helps increase energy efficiency. A steady flow of air on the coldest winter days provide the highest levels of comfort.
Atlas HVAC, Inc. recommends choosing a variable speed, two-stage furnace if you are on the market for a new gas furnace for the ultimate comfort and efficiency. Contact us at (877) 452-8527 to make sure you breathe the healthiest indoor air.
