The Benefits of Variable Speed Motors in HVAC

Air conditioners and furnaces are not built the same way they used to be. Upgrades in technology have dramatically shifted how you can receive heating and cooling in your home. One of the main benefits associated with these improvements is the use of a variable-speed motor. While you will rarely see these motors, the use of them in HVAC systems has completely transformed homes for the better. Not only are they becoming the new standard in HVAC technology, but variable-speed motors come with a number of advantages directly geared toward the homeowner.

Learn about these advantages to better understand the technology and all the benefits you’ll derive when you have a new HVAC system with a variable-speed motor installed.

Improved Efficiency

The main advantage of variable-speed motors is improved efficiency in heating and cooling. This greater efficiency will reduce your carbon footprint and also help lower your energy bills. The variable-speed motor uses special technology to achieve this. Instead of turning a furnace or AC on and off to heat or cool a home, a variable-speed motor operates nearly constantly. While this may sound counterintuitive to saving energy, it runs at a slower speed than a traditional single-speed motor. Running constantly at this slower speed actually uses less energy than it takes to start and stop a furnace or air conditioning system.

The constant flow of air will keep homes feeling more comfortable and allow houses to heat or cool faster. You do not need to wait for a furnace to start up and deliver heat. The continual process allows the air to flow seamlessly. Imagine hot air and cold air as two different liquids like water and dish soap. If a single-speed motor remains off, then the hot air will rise up while the cool air descends, and the two separate.

With a variable-speed motor, you will have a constant mix of air that flows through the home and adds more comfort. The visual of the water and dish soap is now a constant mix. This means it will take far less time to reach the temperature set by your thermostat, resulting in lower energy costs and improved efficiency.

When one of our comfort consultants installs a variable-speed motor system in the Charlotte area, they can coordinate it to your house, eliminate cold spots, and improve the overall comfort levels in your home. The constant movement of air allows rooms to reach an optimal temperature faster. Once the temperature does reach a certain point, the furnace or AC will not just shut off. The constant flow of air will prevent temperatures from rising or dropping too fast. This means that you do not have to constantly toggle with the thermostat or sit uncomfortably in rooms of your home.

Chances are, you have specific rooms that often feel too cold or too hot. The installation of an HVAC system with a variable-speed motor can eliminate this and completely change your home for the better. In some cases, you may have additional thermostats installed to better zone those rooms and provide hot or cool air to the spaces.

Reduced Furnace Noises

If you’ve lived in your current Charlotte house for a while, then you are probably used to the sound of a furnace kicking on and the rush of air flow that comes through the vents in your home. Even if you hear those sounds every day, they can become annoying.

The use of a variable-speed motor installation will help reduce a lot of that noise. The fan runs constantly, so you do not need to get startled or frustrated with loud noises or clangs that occur when a furnace kicks on. The fan runs at a lower speed, which reduces the sound overall. You are not forced to deal with loud noises on a regular basis. Your home can enjoy proper heating and cooling without all the noise pollution that often comes with it.

The end result will be to create a home that feels comfortable without all of the commotion. If you have a furnace located in the basement, you can enjoy that space without so many disturbances. For example, if your laundry room is also located in the basement, then you will not have to deal with a loud annoyance when you go to do laundry or fold clothes. If you have a finished basement, then the other rooms in the area can benefit from the noise reduction as well.

HVAC Wear and Tear

The loud noises you hear in a single-speed furnace motor not only cause disturbances to your ears, but they are not great for the furnace either. The sudden starting and stopping of a furnace can create a lot of wear, especially in the motor and other moving parts. This can result in a shorter life for the equipment and the need for more repairs down the line.

With a variable-speed motor, a furnace does not go through the same wear. The constant moving of the motor at low speeds has very little impact on the other parts and can help extend the life of a furnace for much longer than a single-speed motor design allows. So, not only will you save money on the efficiency of your furnace, but you will also save money on repairs and replacements.

Along with the performance improvements, a new furnace or AC with a variable-speed motor will come with a warranty as well. When you contact an HVAC company, you can inquire of their comfort consultants about the warranties that are available. Some may cover parts and labor for any repairs or changes needed in your Charlotte home.

Improved Air Quality

In any home, stagnant air can create issues. The air can dry out and become dustier. Your overall air quality could diminish, and air quality issues could cause health concerns like coughing or headaches. A variable-speed motor installation can improve your air quality in multiple ways.

The first improvement is with the constant flow of air. When the fan in the motor constantly runs, the air is moving through your home. This helps distribute fresh air and creates a healthier environment.

A new heating or cooling system with a variable-speed motor will come with an air filter. This will continually help prevent dust and other particles from blowing through your home. That will result in much better air quality for every room of the house. When you pair a variable-speed heating or cooling system with other devices like a humidifier or dehumidifier, you can enjoy the best air quality and ensure you breathe fresh air while inside your space.

Trust in trained comfort consultants to help install new HVAC systems with variable-speed motors in the Charlotte, NC area. We can remove your old system, install the new system, and go over all these benefits in person. We also offer a wide range of other services, including air conditioner and furnace repairs and maintenance, smart thermostat installation, and a complete range of electrical services. Reach out to one of our experienced comfort consultants at Acosta Heating, Cooling & Electrical today to schedule an appointment.