Variable-speed blower motors gaining ground in residential HVAC market

Book · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:55522

Gregerson, J

Variable-speed blowers with electronically commutated permanent-magnet motors are gaining ground in the residential forced-air HVAC market. Variable-speed blower motors offer better comfort, better air mixing, lower noise, and tighter temperature and humidity control, as well as higher efficiency and lower peak demand than the constant-speed blower motors installed in most standard systems. Although these benefits cost considerably more up front, some homeowners think the extra cost is justified. Sales are increasing dramatically, and although variable-speed units made up less than three percent of the market in 1993, industry representatives predict that variable-speed blower motors may become the standard within ten to twenty years. The benefits of variable-speed gas furnaces also open up the potential for collaboration between gas and electric utilities. The best way for an electric utility to encourage customers to consider variable-speed gas furnaces may be through the gas utility, since homeowners look to the gas utility when it`s time to make a decision about a gas furnace purchase. Gas utilities can also benefit from variable speed by providing their customers better comfort, and possibly by reducing the customer`s gas bill (due to zoning or better control).

• OSTI ID: 55522
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
BLOWERS
ELECTRIC MOTORS
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
GAS FURNACES
GAS UTILITIES
LOAD MANAGEMENT
MARKET
PERFORMANCE
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
SPACE HVAC SYSTEMS
TEMPERATURE CONTROL