HVAC Strategies

Maximizing Electricity Savings with ECM Furnaces

• 

  Norman Bair

  Madison, Wisconsin
• SP

  Scott Pigg

  Principal Researcher
  Slipstream
  Madison, Wisconsin

Starting July 3, 2019, new federal efficiency standards will result in an industry-wide shift to electronically commutated motors (ECMs) for furnace fans. These motors are more efficient than the motor used in many furnaces today, but are not immune to duct-design, sizing and installation defects that can result in hundreds of dollars of unnecessary electricity consumption. This session will cut through the marketing jargon to provide a clear understanding of different furnace types and their operating characteristics. More importantly, drawing on lessons from the field, the session will provide the keys to maximizing comfort and minimizing furnace electricity consumption. These include: avoiding duct-design mistakes, proper furnace sizing, common installer mistakes and operational and maintenance tips for homeowners.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the three types of furnace fan motors, and how their differences affect furnace electricity consumption
• See duct designs that reduce external static pressure with shorter runs than are common and still provide comfort
• Learn how furnace and central air fan speeds can be lowered to improve comfort, decrease blower noise, and save electricity and how oversizing furnaces increases electricity heating and cooling costs