Home Comfort Blog

Variable Speed Furnace Blower: If You’re Upgrading, Consider 5 Benefits Of This Feature

When upgrading your furnace, consider adding a variable speed furnace blower motor. It can improve the efficiency of your heating system while making your home more comfortable.

Single-speed blower motors function at full power or not at all, switching off and on to regulate your indoor temperatures. In contrast, variable speed models operate at a range of levels, depending on your household’s heating needs at the moment (in the summer, they work to cool your home, too). For example, they often start at about two-thirds speed; if heating is still needed after 10 minutes, they increase to full speed. If less air circulation is needed later, they drop to a lower speed.

Among the benefits of variable speed furnace blower motors:

• Less energy consumption. They can use up to 60 percent less energy than standard single-speed blowers, especially during high-demand periods. If you run this type of motor on continuous fan mode for improved air circulation and filtration, it uses less energy than a 100-watt lightbulb.
• Savings on utility bills. Besides decreasing your household’s environmental impact, using less energy also means lower power costs.
• Improved indoor air quality. Variable speed blowers keep indoor temperatures at a more consistent, comfortable level. Running the blower at continuous fan mode keeps air circulating through the filtration system, trapping more airborne contaminants.
• More reliable performance. Because variable speed motors operate at a range of levels as needed, they cause less overall wear on the motor and fan, which reduces breakdowns and the need for repairs.
• Quieter operation. Variable speed blower motors are significantly quieter than their single-speed counterparts.

Home Comfort Experts is a family-owned heating and air conditioning business serving customers in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan, including South Bend, Mishawaka and Fort Wayne. Contact us today for answers to your questions about variable-speed furnace blower motors. We’re always happy to help.