Learn about the Benefits of a Variable-Speed Furnace

Austin’s area’s fall and winter seasons deliver a wide range of weather conditions. With a variable-speed furnace, you can enjoy consistent, comfortable indoor temperatures in any season.

Advantages of Variable-Speed Furnaces

The blower fan motors in older, mid-efficiency furnaces include only two speed settings: high and low. Usually, the lower, more energy-efficient setting is good enough to keep a home comfortable, so the furnace kicks into high only when it must meet higher-than-normal heating or cooling demands.

A variable-speed furnace isn’t limited to just two speeds. It can run at any speed within a set range, mainly between 30 to 100 percent of its capacity. The microprocessor that operates the motor can select precisely the most energy-efficient speed for any heating or cooling demand.

Greater Savings and Comfort

Thanks to its skill to fine tune its speed for maximum energy efficiency, a variable-speed motor provides optimal energy savings no matter how much cooling or heating your home needs at any given moment. A variable-speed furnace can meet about 80 percent of the average home’s needs while running at lower speeds, which leads to overall lower energy bills.

A conventional furnace sends out a large amount of air quickly before shutting off, often causing uncomfortable temperature fluctuations. A variable-speed furnace will run for longer cycles at lower speeds. This means it heats your home gently, preventing those temperature swings and eliminating cold and hot spots. In summer, the motor’s longer cycles give your A/C much more time to reduce humidity, improving your comfort.

Longer cycles mean that your home’s air is drawn through the furnace air filter more often. This results in better air filtration and higher indoor air quality.

A motor running on a lower speed makes far less noise, so you can enjoy a quieter home. Lower operational speeds tend to place less wear and tear on the motor, helping it last longer.

Interested in enjoying the benefits of a variable-speed furnace in your home? Get in touch with us at Airco in the Austin area for guidance.