What are the Benefits of a Variable-Speed Furnace Motor?

Furnaces come with different features, which can make shopping for a new HVAC tricky, to say the least. One of the features that furnaces offer is the blower speed, which is basically how fast the fan pushes the air into the unit. In general, there are three varieties of furnace blowers: single-stage furnaces, two-stage furnaces, and variable-speed furnaces. In this post, let’s take a look at the basics of each furnace blower speed so you can make the best decision for your home.

What is a single-stage furnace?

A single-stage or single-speed furnace has only one heat output. It doesn’t matter what the outdoor conditions are – it will always heat your home the same way. With a single-stage furnace, you’ll get to choose between its “off” speed and “on” speed – nothing more. Although single-stage furnaces are fast (they go from 0 to 100 in no time), they aren’t that energy efficient. This kind of furnace will disperse the optimal amount of energy, but you won’t be able to tweak it.

What is a two-stage furnace?

A two-stage or two-speed furnace, on the other hand, is more energy-efficient than a single-stage furnace. During its first stage, it operates at 65% of the furnace’s capacity. When the outdoor conditions are too cold, it activates the second stage to provide optimal heat to the home. A two-stage furnace is also more eco-friendly since it creates less CO2.

What is a variable-speed furnace?

If you’re searching for an energy-efficient furnace, there’s a chance that you’ll find the term “variable-speed”. A variable-speed furnace contemplates the blower motor or fan inside of the furnace. This fan is able to adapt to the airflow needs at any time, improving the indoor environment in terms of humidity. In addition, having control over the airflow eliminates the need for the furnace to operate at full capacity at all times.

Compared to other furnaces that start fast, this furnace starts slow. It then changes to a higher speed as needed. Here are the advantages of using a variable-speed furnace.

#1 Less Costly

Since a variable-speed furnace runs at the lowest speed, it consumes a lot less energy compared to a single-stage or two-stage furnace. Not only does this result in significant energy savings, but it also means you won’t have to buy a new furnace every few years due to the low wear and tear.

#2 Less Noisy

The downside of single-stage furnaces is that they’re noisy. The advantage of a variable-speed furnace is that it operates at a low speed, so it produces a lot less noise.

#3 Unlikely Breakdowns

Unlike a single-stage furnace that can only be switched on and off, a variable-speed furnace maintains a consistent speed that can adapt to the user’s needs. This results in less stress on the furnace, which can lower the likelihood of breakdowns.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in the advantages of a variable-speed furnace, be sure to get in touch with your HVAC professional. They’ll evaluate your comfort needs to determine if a variable-speed furnace is the best bet for your home and family.