If you’re thinking about replacing your furnace in the near future, you’ll want to know about the latest advances in HVAC technology. Variable-speed technology is one such advance in today’s forced-air heating and cooling systems, offering improved energy efficiency and overall operation along with unparalleled home comfort and indoor air quality.
Unlike a conventional single-speed furnace, a variable-speed furnace’s indoor blower motor operates at a broad range of fan speeds to control air flow and temperature in a precise manner. Using ECM (electronically commutated motor) technology, the variable-speed furnace relies on intelligent technology to make adjustments based on your current home comfort needs.
Having variable-speed technology in your next furnace will offer plenty of benefits you’ll enjoy:
- Variable-speed furnaces operate quietly thanks to their smooth and gradual startup and shutdown, with no audible clunk or sudden blast of air upon startup.
- A variable-speed furnace not only performs better than a conventional furnace, but it also uses approximately two-thirds less electricity. The average ECM uses around 75 watts per hour, as opposed to the 400 watts per hour consumed by a conventional blower. That means lower energy costs throughout the year.
- Instead of a constant on/off cycle, variable-speed furnaces can operate quietly and consistently at low speeds to provide a steady flow of air for better temperature and air filtration. The continuous air circulation provided by the fan’s constant operation improves indoor air quality.
- ECMs within a variable-speed furnace are designed to last with minimal maintenance required. The motor’s gradual startup and shutdown eliminates much of the wear and tear on internal components suffered by single-speed blowers.
To learn more about how variable-speed technology can benefit your home comfort needs, contact us at Paschal Heat, Air & Geothermal. For 40 years, homeowners through northwest Arkansas have relied on our tried-and-true residential HVAC services.
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 technology and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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