If your Salem, OR home is like most, it likely depends on a single-speed HVAC system for year-round comfort. They are by far the most common type of HVAC unit found in American homes. However, they’re not the only option available. When the time comes for a new HVAC unit, you’ll likely encounter variable-speed HVAC systems during your search. If you’re unfamiliar with them, they can deliver significant benefits you’ll love. Courtesy of our AC and heating services experts, here’s everything you need to know about variable-speed HVAC systems to decide if one is right for you.
What Is a Variable-Speed HVAC?
Sometimes known as variable-stage HVACs, variable-speed systems can speed their blower fans up or down in response to your comfort needs. They do so by using electronically commutated motors (ECMs). Those can operate at any speed based on the amount of voltage supplied. An ECM contains circuitry that converts the alternating current power provided by your home’s electrical system to direct current. Then, it supplies the voltage required to achieve the rotational speed your HVAC system’s blower fan needs at any given time.
Most variable-speed HVAC systems operate at speeds between 25% and 100% as conditions require. Generally, they will come on when your thermostat calls for heating or cooling and run at 100% capacity to reach your set temperature. Then, they’ll gradually slow their fans to maintain that temperature.
The Benefits of Variable-Speed HVAC Systems
It may not sound like a big advantage for an HVAC unit to run at more than one speed. However, it enables some benefits that you’ll love. They include the following.
Superior Energy Efficiency
One of the most significant advantages of owning a variable-speed HVAC system is its superior energy efficiency. Variable-speed systems save energy by operating longer at lower speeds than single-speed systems. That saves energy because starting up an HVAC blower fan consumes far more energy than the fan consumes while running. A variable-speed system uses less electricity than a single-speed system by eliminating constant on-off cycles.
More Precise Temperature Control
HVAC units with variable-speed blowers also do a better job of maintaining your desired temperature. With a single-speed system, you often experience temperature swings of up to 2 degrees or more during regular operation. That happens because such systems tend only to turn on when your thermostat reaches a degree above or below your set temperature. Single-speed systems can’t be more precise than that without risking wasteful and damaging short cycling. Since a variable-speed system can adjust its fan speed rather than turning off, it can keep your home almost precisely at the temperature you set.
Quieter Overall Operation
Even though the average modern central HVAC system isn’t very loud, it still produces some noticeable noise while running. Much of the noise inside your home comes from the air movement through your home’s ducts and vents. The rest comes from your HVAC’s blower fan itself. Variable-speed HVAC systems are much quieter overall than their single-speed counterparts. That’s due to their tendency to run at reduced speeds most of the time. That simultaneously reduces fan noise and ductwork noise.
Improved Humidity Control
Whenever you use your home’s AC, it extracts moisture from the air as a side effect of the cooling process. That also helps you to feel cooler because humid air reduces your body’s ability to shed heat. However, a standard single-speed system has limited dehumidification capacity. So, on the hottest and most humid days, it may fail to keep your home as comfortable as it should be.
A variable-speed system, by contrast, does a much better job of lowering your home’s humidity level. By running for long periods at lower speeds, the humid air stays in contact with the system’s cold evaporator coil for longer. That provides more time for the formation of condensation, eliminating more moisture from the air.
Better Compatibility With Zoning Systems
Variable-speed blower motors also make an excellent companion to HVAC zoning systems. A zoning system divides your home into multiple independent heating and cooling zones. Each zone has its own thermostat and motorized ductwork dampers, which send your HVAC system’s output where needed. With a single-speed HVAC unit, you experience diminishing returns with each additional zone. It happens because the blower motor experiences more and more static pressure in the ducts with every closed-off section. Eventually, that pressure makes it impossible for the system to send enough air to the parts of your home that need it.
A variable-speed HVAC system doesn’t suffer from that problem. It can reduce its fan speed to match the airflow output requested by the zoning system. Not only does that ensure you get the temperature you want in each zone, but it also reduces overall energy use. And since the typical variable-speed system can run at speeds as low as 25%, you can have up to four zones with no wasted energy.
Superior Longevity
Another thing you’ll love about a variable-speed HVAC system is its longevity. The motors in such systems experience less wear and tear because they ramp up and down rather than turning on or off abruptly. That helps them last longer than most single-speed systems. Plus, it reduces the odds of component failures while you own your system. That means a lower total cost of ownership due to reduced repair needs.
Is There Any Reason Not to Buy a Variable Speed HVAC?
With so many obvious benefits, you may wonder why single-speed systems are still more common than variable-speed models. The answer to that comes down to a single factor: cost. They can cost up to twice as much as comparable single-speed systems. However, the extra cost can be a bit deceptive.
The added energy efficiency alone can help you recoup some or all the additional costs during the system’s lifetime. That’s especially likely in our relatively mild climate here in Salem. Since we experience a few extremely hot days, a variable-speed system will spend most of its time running at low speeds. Although different models vary, some use as little as 15% of the electricity running at 25% speed compared to full speed.
Another factor to consider is the added mechanical complexity of a variable-speed system. Although variable-speed HVAC systems offer excellent reliability and longevity, they’re not immune to failure. The cost of a necessary repair can increase in the event of a breakdown. It may also mean a longer wait for a replacement part since variable-speed systems aren’t ubiquitous.
Your Local HVAC Experts
The bottom line is that there are multiple reasons why you should consider a variable-speed HVAC. However, whether you choose one or not, Woodward Heating Air Plumbing is the place to turn for a new HVAC in Salem. We’ve served local homeowners’ comfort needs since 1989. We sell and install quality air conditioners and heating systems from industry leaders like York, Trane, Mitsubishi Electric, and Coleman.
We can also help you take advantage of various incentive programs for efficient new HVAC systems. Plus, we offer financing options on approved credit to help you afford the new HVAC system you want.
So, when you’re ready for a new HVAC system for your Salem home, call Woodward Heating Air Plumbing immediately!
