There's no better example of the idea that improvements in technology produce savings than in modern advances in HVAC technology. Perhaps the most productive advancements in residential systems is the variable-speed air handler. In air conditioning systems, it saves substantial energy while enhancing home comfort.
How Does It Work?
The air handler not only moves conditioned air through the house and returns it to be cooled again, but it also blows air across the evaporator coil. The latter process removes heat from the air and creates indoor cooling.
Standard air handlers operate at one speed:100 percent. A variable-speed air handler adjusts its speed to meet temperature needs at any given time. A typical system will ramp up to full speed at startup and when the desired comfort level is achieved, it will ratchet back to low-speed, continuous operation. If it's extremely hot outside, it will operate closer to top speed.
What Are the Benefits of Variable-Speed Operation?
- Energy efficiency: Running at a lower speed uses less energy than running at 100 percent, even when the latter operation is cycling on and off, as commonly occurs with standard air handlers. The most energy is consumed at startup, so it makes sense that a system with more stops and starts will gobble up extra energy. In addition, the technology engineered into variable-speed air handler motors is intrinsically more energy efficient than a standard air handler motor.
- Less stress on parts: The frequent starts and stops of a standard air handler stress A/C components more than the continuous, low-speed operation of a variable-speed motor.
- Reduced operational noise: Low-speed operation humming in the background doesn't create the racket of a short-cycling air handler.
- Improved dehumidification and filtration: Variable-speed air handlers move air through the HVAC system much more often than a standard system with its frequent down cycles. This results is more opportunities to filter the air and remove moisture.
For more information on how a variable-speed air handler will improve comfort and increase energy savings in your Fort Wayne home, contact Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about variable-speed air handlers and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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