What Are the Benefits of Choosing a Variable-Speed Air Handler?

To really take advantage of rapidly advancing HVAC technology, make sure your next central cooling or heating upgrade includes a variable-speed air handler. Variable-speed and multi-stage technology allow for adaptable modes of operation in central forced-air heating and cooling systems.

What Is a Variable-Speed Air Handler?

The air handler, or blower, is the HVAC component that circulates conditioned air in the home, then draws it back into the equipment to be heated or cooled again. Standard air handler or blower motors operate in two modes: off and 100 percent. In cold weather climates, the furnace blower often doubles as the A/C air handler. These systems are often oversized, resulting in frequently running through on-and-off cycles.

A variable-speed air handler can adjust its running speed to match home temperature needs at any given time. It will ramp up to full operation long enough to cool or heat the house to the thermostat setting, then settle into a continuous, low-speed operation. This type of air handler doesn’t short cycle, which has a number of benefits to both energy efficiency and home comfort.

What Are the Advantages?

• Energy efficiency: Continuous, low-speed operation by a variable-speed air handler uses less energy than a standard air handler motor with its frequent on-and-off cycles. More energy is expended during start-up, which means a system with more stops and starts will use more power. In addition, variable-speed blower motors are engineered to use less energy during regular operation.
• Improved comfort: The continuous, low-speed operation of a variable-speed system provides better air circulation in a home with fewer cold or hot spots.
• Not as loud: Variable-speed operation, which hums at a low speed in the background, is much quieter than a standard air handler with its loud stops and starts. Reduced noise is something most homeowners appreciate.
• Superior air filtration and dehumidification: A system that’s circulating the air constantly, even at a lower speed, will have many more opportunities to filter and dehumidify the air.

To discuss upgrading to a new cooling or heating system with a variable-speed air handler, contact Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal. We provide quality services to communities in Northwest Arkansas.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Springdale, Arkansas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about variable-speed air handlers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

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