Furnaces
xb80 - P.S.C. MOTOR FURNACE
PSC motors are significantly less efficient than constant torque or ECM motors because they consume more watts, making them more difficult for a manufacturer to apply to a high-SEER system design. On average, PSC motors will use approximately 552 watts in cooling mode and 515 watts in continuous fan mode. Therefore, they are not ideal for continuous fan operation because they run close to full speed when applied in this manner, using more energy than this function really requires. (As a comparison, imagine the power consumed by five 100-watt light bulbs lit all day long). This also makes them less attractive for continuous filtration applications. Additionally, since PSC motors are not programmable and their motor speed cannot be easily varied, it is more difficult to apply the motors to two-stage or advanced systems.
PSC motors are also the least quiet of the three motor technologies. In addition, PSC motors do not offer customized airflow patterns, which are often critical in designs intended to manage humidity. Consistent air stratification and temperatures are also harder to obtain.
xt80 - E.C.M. MOTOR FURNACE
ECM motors draw the least amount of watts, which makes them the most efficient. On average, they will use approximately 413 watts in cooling mode and only 83 watts (less than a 100-watt light bulb) in continuous fan mode. This combination of performance, reliability and programmable flexibility makes ECM motors an ideal solution for high-SEER or multi-stage system designs. It also has the potential to increase overall cooling system performance by as much as one or more SEER points.
Beyond programmability and efficiency, ECM motors offer many other advantages that enhance consumer comfort. These motors are the quietest of the three motor types because they have the ability to ramp up and down slowly, making them ideal for applications where noise is a concern.
XV80 - VARIABLE SPEED MOTOR FURNACE
Variable-speed motors are also the best choice for constant fan or constant filtering applications because the motor will only run at about one-third of its designed speed, using less power than a 100-watt light bulb and resulting in both noise reduction and energy savings that the consumer will appreciate. The indoor environment will also benefit from better air stratification, ensuring more consistent and precise temperatures.
In addition, Variable Speed motors have the ability to deliver customized airflow based on the consumer’s geographic region, making them versatile in humid, arid or temperate climates. If dehumidification is required, variable-speed motors offer the best solution because of the wide range of speeds, and they are particularly effective when combined with two-stage compressors and a dehumidification control. Lastly, due to their efficiency, most products that utilize Variable Speed motors may qualify for up to $1,500 under the federal tax credit program.