How ECMs Benefit Your Customers
When the Department of Energy announced in 2014 that the Fan Furnace Efficiency Rating (FER) would go into effect on July 3, 2019, it immediately became apparent that most residential gas furnaces equipped with permanent split capacitor (PSC) motors simply could not achieve the required efficiency. Manufacturers have made the shift from PSC to energy-efficient electronically commutated motors (ECM) in order to comply with the new standard. Though ECM-equipped furnaces cost more up front, the DOE estimates they will pay for themselves in about five years by reducing motor energy consumption by up to 46%.
Electronically commutated motors use microprocessor controllers to precisely modulate motor speed in response to changing conditions. When a change in torque is sensed, the ECM ramps RPM up or down to maintain the programmed CFM. High cooling demand, clogged filters, and condensation on the evaporator coil are all conditions that increase static pressure, as will a dirty filter or duct issues, causing the ECM to increase the speed of the motor, and reduced moisture on the coil or changing dirty filters can result in a decrease in speed.
On average, an ECM motor use 25% less energy than a PSC motor, and as much as 75% less energy during times of continuous fan demand due to its ability to operate at slower speeds. There are a number of benefits to running the fan continuously. Temperature differences are more easily controlled between spaces, particularly in multi-level homes, without excess noise or the feeling of draftiness often associated with PSC systems. Additionally, it allows continual operation of IAQ equipment such as UV-C, whole house air cleaners, advanced filtration, and ionization devices – an appealing feature for consumers who are increasingly interested in indoor air quality due to COVID-19.
About E.P. Homiek
E.P. Homiek Sheet Metal Fabrication & HVAC Supply, with two convenient locations in Lakewood, NJ and Union, NJ, provides one- to two-day turnaround on all residential and light commercial ductwork, as well as one- to two-hour emergency fabrication service, rapid delivery, and competitive prices. HVAC parts, supplies, and equipment lines include Goodman, Honeywell, Bryant, Bradford White, Crown Boiler, Daikin, Weil-McLain, York Commercial, Sea Breeze, Generac, Fantech, ZM, A.O. Smith, Hart & Cooley, Malco, Mueller, and many more.
