A furnace replacement provides the perfect opportunity to switch out a low-efficiency model with a newer high-efficiency system that costs less to run and provides better and more consistent heating.
Among the more useful of modern efficiency-boosting features is the variable-speed blower motor. These types of motors, sometimes called electronically commutated motors (ECMs), offer variable levels of operation that can save considerable money and energy. When you’re choosing a new heating or cooling system, a furnace ECM is the better and more efficient option.
Blower motors are part of the air handling system that moves heated air from your furnace, into the ductwork, and to areas around your home. ECM-type blower motors operate in sharp contrast to the former standard motor type, the PSC motor. Permanent Split Capacitor motors are very common in older furnaces. They are inexpensive and easy to acquire, but they are not very efficient. PSC motors run at their highest level no matter how much heating is required inside your home. This means that the PSC motor will always consume the maximum amount of energy, leaving you paying for more blower power than you actually need.
In contrast, a furnace ECM works at variable speeds, depending on the temperature demands of your indoor spaces. Typically, ECMs start running at about 2/3 of the unit’s full speed. If additional heating is required after about 10 minutes, the motor switches to high speed. The result is that when substantial amounts of heating are needed, the ECM motor moves warm air through the system as quickly as possible. When less warm air is needed, such as when maintaining temperature levels, the ECM runs at a lower speed that delivers plenty of warm air while consuming less energy. The ECM often runs nearly continuously at the lower speed, which saves energy and money, and also provides superior filtration and humidity control (when cooling).
Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning serves HVAC customers in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties and has done so for more than 33 years. Contact us today for more information on choosing furnace efficiency features and for expert advice on why a furnace ECM is the better choice.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Lorain, Ohio about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnace replacement and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning
1 (440) 246-5440
Serving the Lorain, OH Area