“Variable speed” refers to the fan motor inside the air handler—the indoor part of an air conditioner that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. An air handler is usually a furnace or a blower coil.
Unlike conventional single-speed motors, a variable speed motor runs at a wide range of speeds to precisely control of heated and cooled air throughout the home. Better airflow control has several benefits:
Electrical efficiency
Variable speed motors can actually save you money on your energy bills, as they consume less electricity than standard motors.
Cooling efficiency
Variable speed technology also means you will gain air conditioning efficiency or SEER.
Zoning
Variable speed motors are excellent for zoning, which allows you to customize your comfort in different areas of your home and control your energy bills.
Air quality
A variable speed motor can also help clean the air in your home. When the fan is in constant operation (indicated by the “Fan” setting on your thermostat), the motor will continue to slowly circulate air, allowing filters to capture more contaminants.
Humidity control
A variable speed motor combined with a ComfortSense® Thermostat allows you to control the amount of humidity in your home for improved indoor air quality and comfort.