Variable-Speed Technology: Getting up to Speed on All Its Benefits

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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