Westlake Air Conditioning Tip: Variable Speed Fans and Energy Efficiency

Air conditioning and heating technology have seen significant advancements, one of which is the introduction of the variable speed fan. The professionals at Westland have been working with this innovative technology in their Westlake cooling and heating systems for years. They can provide you with an in-depth understanding of how variable speed fans can enhance energy efficiency.

Variable speed fans, as their name suggests, are fans in heaters and air conditioners that run on varying levels of speed, depending on specific needs, for enhanced comfort and energy efficiency. The fan distributes the cooled or heated air throughout a building via the ducts. With the utilization of a variable speed motor, these fans can run at different speeds at different times.

As the fan in these systems is frequently used, its efficiency directly affects the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Variable speed motors, being more power-saving compared to standard motors, contribute to lower energy bills. The highest-efficiency heating and cooling devices utilize variable speed fans and blowers.

The ability of variable speed blowers to function at different speeds is especially advantageous. During moderate outside temperatures, the fan runs at a lower speed, thus conserving energy by using half the power needed during harsher conditions. As the temperatures drastically rise or fall, the fan operates at a higher speed, enabling maximum indoor temperature alteration in the least possible time.

Following is an illustration of a variable speed fan operation:

• When the variable speed blower is activated by the thermostat for cooling or heating, it begins at half-speed, efficiently cooling down the coils without consuming excessive energy. At this stage, it uses half the energy a standard fan would.
• It then switches to operate at ¾ speed after a few minutes, maintaining this speed for an extended period. It remains 25% more energy-efficient than a standard single-speed blower at this stage.
• Regular temperature checks are conducted. While maintaining the right temperature might require operating at top speed for a few minutes, it might continue at ¾ speed for the entire running time of the system. When the building temperature comes within two degrees of the desired level, the speed remains at ¾ until the target temperature is achieved. This operation mode ensures a reduction in power bills each time the air conditioner or heater is used.
  

  In this scenario, if your building maintains a standard temperature consistently, you will seldom need to operate the fan at full speed as temperatures would remain relatively constant all day.

  An added advantage of a variable speed fan is its ability to enhance the air quality of your home. When set to “on” or to operate continuously, even after the cooling or heating process is complete, the fan runs at half-speed to circulate air uniformly and maintain an even distribution of cooled and heated air, even after the desired temperature is reached.

  The experts at Westland, specializing in air conditioning and heating, are always available to assist you find the most energy-efficient indoor comfort solutions – reach out to us today for more details!

  Variable speed blowers can work at different speeds. When temperatures outside are more temperate it will run at a lower fan speed, using less energy to do so (normally half the electricity needed during harder usage times). When the temperatures outside skyrocket or drastically drop, the fan will run at a higher speed, offering the most amount of indoor temperature change possible in a shorter amount of time.