The term "variable speed" refers to the furnace's indoor blower motor, which moves at different speeds to precisely control the flow of heated and cooled air throughout your home. Better airflow control has several benefits:
MORE COMFORT AND EFFICIENCY WITH LESS SOUND
More Comfort: Variable speed gas furnaces precisley regulate airflow to provide better control of temperature, humidity and air distribution.
Greater Efficiency: Compared to a conventional single-speed furnace, a variable speed furnace performs better and uses about two-thirds less electricity. During cooling operation, variable speed technology typically results in an efficiency gain of 1 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the SEER, the lower your utility bills.
Less Sound: A variable speed furnace also ensures quieter operation. The furnace slowly ramps up to speed, so there’s no sudden “kick” or blast of air at startup.
BETTER INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Cleaner Air: When the furnace is not heating or cooling and the fan is in constant operation (indicated by the “fan on” setting on your thermostat), a varible speed furnace will continue to slowly and inexpensivley circulate air through your home. This allows your filters to capture more contaminants (because air is constantly filtering through them), so you can breathe easier.
Enhanced Humidity Control: When moisture levels are high, there’s a higher potential for mold growth and other pollutant problems. Compared to a single-speed furnace, a variable speed furnace is more effective at drawing moisture from the air for improved air quality and comfort.
HOW IT WORKS For any furnace, providing maximum comfort means achieving the proper amount of airflow. This is true for both heating and cooling operation.
Unlike conventional single-speed motors, a variable speed motor runs at a wide range of speeds. Using intelligent technology, it continually monitors incoming data from your heating and cooling system, and it automatically makes the adjustments necessary to meet your comfort needs.
The motor varies the amount of air circulated, compensating for factors like dirty filters by increasing speed. Put simply it delivers just the right amount of air necessary to provide the desired level of heating and cooling comfort.
CALCULATING ENERGY SAVINGS
The variable speed motor will typically use only about 75 watts of power per hour, compared to a conventional blower that uses about 400 watts. Thus, over the course of one year, you can expect to save money on your electric bill with a variable speed motor.
Use this simple formula to calculate your potential energy savings, based upon your existing power costs per kilowatt-hour:
Example: 2,847 killowatts* x $.14/kW/h = up to $398 in energy savings per year in Western New York.
Note: Savings are based on an HVAC system that is always operating either in heating, cooling or “fan” mode. Approximate annual savings for a system run only during heating season would be $120 in Western New York.
*Average kilowatts saved per year is calculated by saving 325 watts of power per hour with a variable speed motor using 75 watts per hour, versus conventional blower motors using 400 watts per hour, times 8,760 hours in a year, equals 2,847,000 watts/1000, which equals 2,847 kilowatts.
source: Lennox International, Inc.
Adema Heating & Air Conditioning ~ 378 Englewood Ave ~ Buffalo, NY 14223
