Don’t count yourself alone if you’ve never heard of a furnace ECM. The ECM (electronically commutated motor) is an upgrade from the standard PSC motor (permanent split capacitor). It differs from PSC motors in that it uses direct current instead of alternating current, which the ECM converts automatically. The ECM is also brushless, increasing its durability.
The ECM has a number of benefits compared to a PSC, which include:
- Much lower electrical consumption. An ECM consumes a fraction of the electricity that a PSC uses. The ECM draws approximately 83 watts of power for each hour it runs continually, making it affordable to run the fan continually to clean and circulate the air.
- Better air distribution. An ECM runs more slowly than a PSC motor, which helps the air circulate better through the ductwork. When it runs longer, the air mixes better, and there’ll be fewer chilly spots in your rooms. Your home’s air will also pass through the air filter for the blower longer, which traps more airborne particulates.
- Quieter operation. These motors create much less noise when they run, which adds to indoor comfort, especially if the blower is close to bedrooms.
- Variable-speed operation. Some higher efficiency furnaces use dual-stage heating to save energy. Such a system runs more efficiently when paired with an ECM in the blower that will adjust its speed automatically based on the needed heat output.
- Use in zoning systems. If your home has a zoning system or you’re considering one, a furnace ECM will allow the system to regulate the amount of airflow going through the ducts based on how many zones need heating. It will ramp up if many zones are open, and slow down if just a few need heating.
If you’re in the market for a new forced-air heating system this year, consider one with a furnace ECM. To learn more, contact one of our experts at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We’ve provided exceptional HVAC services for Twin Cities’ homeowners since 1974.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about furnaces and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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