As a homeowner, you can upgrade many different parts of your home. Want your water bill to drop? Install low-flow plumbing fixtures! Want to save money on your electricity? Switch to LED lightbulbs. Your heating and air conditioning systems are just like anything else: there are many different upgrades available, and many of them contribute to increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of your home comfort system. One these upgrades is choosing a variable speed air handler instead of a typical single speed model. On this blog we’ll explore some of the major differences between single and variable-speed air handlers and show you just a few of the benefits of making the switch to a variable-speed unit.
How Does a Variable Speed Air Handler Work?
Single speed air handlers, like the name implies, have one speed: full-blast. They turn on and off regularly delivering their full force of cool air in order to bring your home to temperature. As you can imagine, since they are constantly functioning at their full capacity, these systems use a lot of electricity and can really spike your energy bills. These systems are also fairly loud: if you currently have a single speed air handler, you probably notice it turning on and off, but maybe not so much in between.
In contrast, a variable speed unit operates at lower speeds for longer periods of time. These systems can ramp up to full capacity when necessary, but the majority of the time will make subtle adjustments using a limited power level. As a result, these systems are generally much quieter—in fact many variable speed system owners say they can’t even hear their system turn on or off, but they can feel the comfort level in their home.
Advantages of a Variable-Speed System
Here are a few reasons why you should consider making the switch from a single-speed air handler to a variable-speed system:
- Air Distribution: Variable-speed systems are generally more effective at allowing air to reach parts of your home that might otherwise not receive as much air, especially rooms which are farther away from the main blower unit. This means a more even temperature in your home.
- Energy Efficiency: Because these smaller adjustments won’t require your system to turn on to its full capacity, you’ll actually wind up using far less electricity, which will help you save a bundle on your monthly energy bills.
- Better Circulation: Have you ever noticed the air in your home begins to smell stale and odorous? Longer operation times at lower speeds means your indoor air will be more continuously circulated meaning you’ll have far more fresh air than a single-sped system.
- Hypo-Allergenic: Along with fresher air, a continuously circulating system also pulls more air out of your home and runs it through your air filter. This extracts more dust, pollen, and other allergens from the air, providing you with much-needed allergy and asthma relief.
- Humidity control: Your air conditioner is essentially a huge dehumidifier… when it’s running. Operating longer at a lower speeds means your system will continue to draw moisture out of your indoor air. If you’re suffering from high humidity levels in your home, you may want to consider making the switch and installing a Honeywell 8000 thermostat with humidity control!
- Noise Level: Again, with longer operation cycles at lower speeds, variable speed air handlers turn on and off less often. Since powering on and powering off is when your air handler is its loudest, you’ll experience les noise from your air conditioner in general.
If you are in need of HVAC system replacement, we recommend that you at least consider upgrading your single speed air handler option to a variable speed option. The planet, your electric bills, and your wallet will all thank you when your energy consumption drops dramatically within days of the system first being installed.
If you are located on Johns Island, James Island, West Ashley, Downtown, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, or surrounding areas, and are interested in having one of our background checked, drug tested, professionally trained technicians out to your home, call Carney & Son 72 Degrees today! We are a family-owned and operated business that has helped thousands of residents get the repairs or installation services they need over our more than 30 years in business. We firmly believe your satisfaction is of the utmost importance, and we work tirelessly to get the job done right the first time in order to build a lasting relationship with our customers.
Find out more about upgrading to a new variable-speed air handler! Call Carney & Son 72 Degrees today by dialing 843.242.7065.