Benefits of Variable Speed, Seattle Heating
Heating Seattle, Washington Energy
Comfort and Energy Savings Explained:
Variable speed refers to the Fan or Blowers ability to change it’s operating speed. This is achieved through the use of an ECM, DC (direct current) motor instead of the traditional one speed AC (alternating current) motor.
Benefits:
- Much Greater Electric Efficiency with DC motor
- Greater Gas Efficiency (AFUE rating)
- Much Quieter
- Balanced heat (reduces temperature swings)
- Can overcome ductwork design flaws (air flow)
- Greatly reduces system wear and tear
Variable speed motors in furnaces are used in conjunction with a mulitple output gas valve to give flexibility to combustion and output levels of the furnace. This provides more efficient, balanced heat and greatly reduced wear and tear on the heating system. This is because most of the time the furnace will run at a reduced temperature for longer periods.
Humidity and Heating in Seattle and Western Washington:
Humidty and condensation play a big role in system efficiency and equipment life span.
Increased humidity and condensation around coastal climates equals faster corrosion from corrosive residue and powder build-up.
Overly hot burning and/or short-cycling furnaces also equals much greater corrosion. That means reduced efficiency and equipment life.
Variable speed furnaces mainly run at lower temperatures for longer periods of time. That equates to better comfort, efficiency and equipment life.
