Freezing temperatures can cause your heating bills to skyrocket if you have a traditional furnace that runs often. You can save money while still keeping your Dayton home warm this season by switching to a variable-speed furnace.
How Variable-Speed Furnaces Work
A variable-speed furnace includes a type of blower motor called an electronically commutated motor (ECM). These are DC motors that contain a magnet rotor and built-in inverter that cause them to run more efficiently than AC motors. When your traditional furnace runs, the fan motor blows at a constant speed. With variable-speed furnaces, the fan motor blows at different speeds depending on how much heat is needed. This leads to improved airflow throughout your home, rather than having some rooms become too hot while others remain cooler. The ECM motor keeps track of input from your heating system on a constant basis and adjusts its speed as needed. When less heat is needed, the fan automatically slows down. When more heat is needed or when other factors affect your heating system, such as a dirty filter, the fan speeds up.
Benefits of Variable-Speed Furnaces
Variable-speed furnaces provide several benefits compared to traditional furnaces. These include:
- Better efficiency: The improved efficiency that these furnaces offer leads to lower energy bills and helps them last longer. The design of ECM motors results in less strain on heating systems and a reduced risk of maintenance and repairs.
- Quiet operation: These furnaces slowly build up to their highest speed, which means you don’t hear them suddenly kick on at full blast. Instead, they typically run quietly.
- Improved comfort: Since variable-speed furnaces constantly adjust airflow, this helps keep homes more comfortable. You won’t end up with rooms that feel too hot and other parts of your home that don’t feel warm enough. Instead, you should enjoy a more evenly heated home all winter long.
For more information on a variable-speed furnace for your home, please contact Ace Hardware Home Services today. We provide dependable HVAC services for customers in the Dayton, Ohio area.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Dayton, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).
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