What is a Variable Speed Furnace?
Many Indianapolis area homeowners are buying a comfort system for the first time. When researching options, you’ll likely hear about variable speed furnace fans. This fan, or blower, provides airflow to all the registers in your home throughout the year. Variable speed fans offer the most advanced performance available.
Variable Speed Furnace Comfort
Most Indianapolis area homes have at least one area that doesn’t heat or cool as well as others. You may also find yourself putting on a sweater, then taking it off repeatedly as the furnace cycles. In the summer, your home may feel cool but clammy. These are reasons why many homeowners choose variable speed fans. The variable speed fan can adjust its speed to provide more even temperatures from room to room and minute to minute. In the summer, slower fan speeds help your air conditioning system dehumidify the home more effectively than a standard fan (PSC).
Furnace Efficiency
Variable speed fans use much less energy than a standard fan (PSC). In the Indianapolis area, electric savings average around $80 per year. In addition, a variable speed fan can increase your outdoor air conditioner or heat pump efficiency by up to 2 SEER.
Noise Level
Variable speed fans run at low speeds most of the time, only reaching the highest speed on the most extreme weather days. Most of the time, temperatures aren’t that extreme. When the fan runs at full speed, you’ll hear the air rush through the registers like a standard furnace. The rest of the time it will be much less noisy and you might not even know its running. Variable speed fans are usually paired with indoor units that are built with sound in mind. These systems have heavily insulated cabinets and sealed doors to cut down on noise.
Variable Speed Furnace Reliability
PSC fan motors are one of the most commonly replaced parts in heating and air conditioning systems. Most companies (including HomeSense) keep PSC fan motors on their trucks because they’re replaced frequently. Variable speed motors are less commonly stocked on service vans because they’re replaced much less frequently. Variable speed fans are more flexible and durable, able to adjust to situations that aren’t ideal.
Making Your Decision
Variable speed systems cost more than standard (PSC) systems. If comfort, efficiency, noise, or reliability are important factors for you, a variable speed system may be worth the investment. A new furnace typically lasts around 15 years.
If you have more questions or concerns about which fan is right for your Indianapolis area home call 317-203-8149.
Posted in: Heating, Heating and Cooling FAQs
