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VARIABLE SPEED BLOWER SYSTEMS

The term "variable speed" is in reference to the air handler or furnace fan motor or blower motor
and while they are variable speed motors they are not variable speed in the true sense. Residential models are designed to use the variable speed to run at several pre-set speeds somewhat just like any other air handler or furnace. The difference is both in the motor and in how it gets up to that speed and how it slows back down or stops.

First lets discuss the motor, the motors come in two basic varieties, PSC and ECM...

The ECM or Electronically Commutated Motor uses much less energy than it's counterpart but it does cost more

The PSC motor is a permanent split capacitor type motor, this motor is much the same as any motor in heating and air-conditioning systems and costs much less than it's big brother the ECM motor
   
So what are the advantages?

More Efficiency, much more...
Compared to a standard single speed air handler or furnace a variable speed air handler or furnace performs much better and uses 60% less electricity.  

With Air Conditioning Systems variable speed technology usually results in an efficiency gain of 1 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - the higher the SEER the lower your consumption).

Less Sound...
A variable speed air handler or furnace also runs much quieter because the blower slowly ramps up to the pre-set speed so there's no sudden blast of air when it starts up.


Better Indoor Air Quality and Even Better Comfort
Cleaner Air and better comfort because the furnace usually can be set up so that the fan is in constant operation and runs at a low speed all the time.

Even when no heating or cooling is needed it can be set up to continue to circulate the air throughout your home which allows air filters to capture more junk and it can maintain a more even temperature throughout the home making you m ore comfortable.

Variable Speed Technology is not new it is just fairly new to the residential market. These systems are highly efficient and "Green" and they are all well worth the investment no mater what type you purchase.