When it's time to upgrade your HVAC system, there are
several components of the system that deserve ample consideration. Installing a
new furnace usually means installing a new integrated blower fan as well. Many
modern furnaces come with a variable speed blower instead of the one- or
two-stage blowers in older or less expensive models.
These variable-speed blowers come with several benefits that
every homeowner should consider. Learn more about them.
1. Energy Savings
If you're looking to reduce your monthly energy bill, few
upgrades will have as great an impact as a variable speed blower. One-stage
blowers have only two settings: off and full speed. This means that they are
drawing electricity at maximum capacity the entire time they are in use, even
when the heating and cooling demands of your home are lower.
Variable speed blowers save energy by allowing the system to
adjust its fan speed, and therefore its energy use, based on your home's
temperature demands. In addition, variable blowers will typically run for
longer periods of time than traditional blowers, so they reduce your HVAC
system's energy use by cycling the air conditioner, furnace, and blower less
frequently.
2. Quiet Operation
High energy usage isn't the only side effect of a one-stage
blower running at full capacity all the time. The faster your blower fan runs,
the louder your HVAC system will be while it's using it. High fan speed will
cause distracting noise near the blower assembly, and may lead to a whistling
or whooshing noise in your ducts due to high air pressure.
While variable speed blowers aren't necessarily quieter when
running at full speed, it is rare for them to reach full speed during normal
use. You can expect a variable speed blower to be quieter than a one- or
twostage blower on all but the hottest and coldest days. If you have been
disturbed by the noise of your HVAC system running overnight, a variable speed
blower could be the answer.
3. Improved Indoor Air Quality
Your HVAC system has several components that treat the air
that circulates through your home to make it more comfortable. High humidity is
one of the leading causes of uncomfortable indoor air. Many homeowners turn
their thermostat up higher than it needs to be to compensate for humidity. The
problem may be that the air isn't spending enough time in your HVAC
dehumidifier, and a variable speed blower can help.
Variable speed blowers help your HVAC system manage humidity
by slowing the rate at which air travels through the entire system, including
the dehumidifier. The dehumidifier will be able to remove more moisture from
the air and your home will stay comfortable even if you turn the thermostat up
a few degrees.
The longer cycle times of a variable speed blower also
improve comfort in your home by producing more consistent temperatures at all
times. With a traditional blower, you may notice that your home's temperature
feels uncomfortable again almost immediately after turning off the furnace or
air conditioner.
A longer cycle time results in better air mixing, as more of
the total volume of air in your home will pass through the furnace or air
conditioner. This allows the air in your home to stay at a comfortable
temperature for a longer period after you shut off your HVAC system.
A variable speed blower is one of the most significant
benefits that can come from upgrading your HVAC system. Even if the upfront
cost of a variable speed system is slightly higher, most homeowners feel that
they pay for themselves with the energy savings and comfort that they provide.
Keep this in mind when it's time for an HVAC upgrade, and
contact us at Action Plumbing
& Heating Maintenance
for help finding the perfect system for your
home!
