HVAC technology has advanced significantly in the past decade, mainly driven by social, economic, and environmental pressures to improve energy efficiency without sacrificing comfort. Developments in variable-speed and modulating technology in both air handlers and A/C compressors have greatly improved the efficiency of these systems. A/Cs with variable speed air handlers offer consumers many benefits including improved air quality, reliability and year-round home comfort.

Variable-Speed Air Handlers Explained

An air handler or air handling unit (AHU) operates as a part of your HVAC system to move air throughout your home. They can do this with or without ductwork. Via ductwork, the air is returned to the AHU after being distributed throughout your home. If there is no ductwork, the AHU distributes and returns air directly. The AHU blows air across the evaporator coil, enabling the heat-exchange process that results in cooling and dehumidification. The motor inside the air handler enables a continuous flow of air throughout your home.

In homes with furnaces, the furnace blower usually serves as the air handler. Until variable-speed technology came along, air handlers only operated at one speed. The variable aspect refers to the fact that the motor can operate at different speeds, affecting the rate of air flow. After bringing the home to the desired temperature setting, the air handler settles into a low, continuous operation. It does not short cycle, which often happens with motors operating at 100 percent.

Benefits of a Variable-Speed Air Handler

• Energy savings – The frequent stop-and-start operation of a traditional air handler wastes substantial energy, as does the full-blast default operation when running. Slower, continuous operation and the inherently more efficient variable-speed motor technology save energy.
• Improved comfort – Continuous operation means more even temperatures in your home.
• Versatile – The benefits of cooling with variable-speed technology also extend to heating. You will save money during both the cooling and heating seasons.
• Quiet – The continuous, low-speed operation is quieter than the full-blast, stop-and-start of an old-school HVAC system.
• Superior air filtration and humidity control – With the near-continuous operation, your household air moves through the distribution system many more cycles than with a traditional air handler or blower. This means more efficient dehumidification and filtration.

To further discuss variable-speed air handler benefits, check out JD’s A/C’s energy efficient cooling solutions for your Longview area home, or call us at (903) 759-7483.

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