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Learning CenterSunny Los Angeles and the surrounding areas don’t experience severe blizzards, but it can still get cold here. Thanks to furnaces and other heating systems, homes can feel warm no matter how freezing it can feel outside. So, if you’re looking to stay warm for many, many years, a variable speed furnace may be the perfect solution, but what are its pros and cons?
Whether it’s a brand-new furnace installation or a maintenance call, our technicians at Monkey Wrench have worked with countless heating systems since 2007. Furnace technology has evolved over the years, and we’ve worked with the top brands in the heating and cooling industry to learn the ins and outs of these systems, such as variable-speed furnaces.
In this article, we’ll explain and highlight each of the pros and cons of variable-speed furnaces so you can better understand what these heating systems can offer you and your home. This information can help you determine whether to move forward with a variable speed furnace or seek a different heating alternative.
Let’s get started!
What Are the Pros and Cons of Variable Speed Furnaces?
Variable speed furnaces are heating systems with a fan motor that can adjust its speed depending on how much heating is needed for a home. Thanks to the advanced design of the variable speed furnace’s fan motor, it can provide plenty of benefits and a few disadvantages.
We’ll highlight the pros of variable speed furnaces first.
Pros of Variable Speed Furnaces
Variable Speed Furnaces are Energy Efficient
Variable speed furnaces are among the most highly energy-efficient heating systems available. The adjustable fan motor allows the furnace to operate at lower speeds, meaning it doesn’t consume as much energy as other furnaces that only work at full power.
Lower energy consumption can lead to long-term energy savings in hundreds of dollars for homeowners. In fact, all heating systems, not just variable speed furnaces, come with Energy Star labels that show you potential energy savings. These labels display how much you can save a year, plus the energy rating for that particular furnace
All heating systems have their heating efficiency using the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The higher the rating, the more efficient a heating system is, and variable speed furnaces have ratings of over 95% AFUE.
The ability to adjust fan speeds for heating can be handy in areas like Southern California, where temperatures during winter can vary from the inland regions of Riverside and San Bernardino to the coasts of Ventura, Los Angeles, and Orange counties.
Adjusting the speed of the variable speed furnace’s fan motor can save you money on energy bills and consumption, but it can also provide another benefit: improved air quality.
Improved Air Quality
A variable speed furnace’s ability to operate at lower speeds for long periods helps improve air circulation, which can help improve indoor air quality. The lower speed ability of the fan motor makes sure that indoor air moves through the furnace’s filters more frequently.
As air moves through more consistently, the filters capture allergens and other physical particles instead of roaming throughout your home. It’s important to note that this may mean you will be required to replace your furnace’s air filter more often, but it’s worth doing so you can breathe better quality indoor air while staying warm thanks to the variable speed furnace.
Different types of air filters are available, allowing for quality air filtration. Air filtration adds a layer of comfort to your home, and variable-speed furnaces improve comfort even more.
Enhances Comfort
One of the benefits of variable speed furnaces is that they can boost comfort levels in your home. Their ability to run at lower speeds provides more consistent temperatures and regulates the humidity inside a house.
Older furnace systems can have inconsistent temperature rises or not be able to heat a home evenly. A variable speed furnace is specifically designed to distribute heat more evenly, ensuring that every little corner of a house gets the appropriate amount of heating. Single-speed furnaces can sometimes have fluctuations in heating, but that’s not the case with variable speed furnaces with adjustable fan motor speeds.
In addition to consistent heating, variable speed furnaces provide enhanced humidity control. By operating at lower speeds, these furnaces allow the air to manage moisture better. This may decrease the chances of bacterial growth appearing in homes with high humidity levels.
With all these benefits, it helps to have a heating system that isn’t too noisy when it’s on.
Quiet Operation
Variable-speed furnaces have some of the quietest heating systems available. Because the motor fans can operate at lower speeds, variable speed furnaces reduce noise compared to older heating systems or single-speed furnaces.
The noise from a heating system may be covered in the background if you’re listening to music or have the TV playing. Running your old furnace overnight can make the noise more noticeable.
You may hear some noise when you first start up your variable-speed furnace, but the noise should reduce significantly while your home stays warm in the background.
And as long as you stay on top of maintenance (at least once a year before the start of the cold season) for your variable speed furnace, you can enjoy their warmth and benefits for 15 to 20 years or longer in some cases.
Cons of Variable Speed Furnaces
You have to take the bad with the good, and that’s certainly the case with variable speed furnaces. Let’s kick things off with pricing.
High Upfront Cost
Variable speed furnaces tend to be priced higher compared to other heating systems. A variable speed furnace can cost over $5,000; with installation, prices can rise to $15,000 or higher.
Furnace pricing will vary from company to company, so if you’re interested in a variable speed furnace, you may need to compare prices. Other factors can impact the final price, such as brand, size and capacity, labor rates, additional features, and installation complexity.
Many companies offer financing meant to make variable speed furnaces more accessible. Still, even with financing options, variable speed furnaces have a few other disadvantages.
May Require New Ductwork
You may not be able to install a variable speed without updating your ductwork first. Even if you move forward with an installation, ductwork in bad condition can cause a variable speed furnace to work harder, potentially shortening its lifespan.
Leaky or poor ductwork can have a negative impact on the furnace’s energy efficiency. To prevent that from happening, you may need to consider replacing or repairing your home’s ductwork to accommodate a variable speed furnace.
Ductwork repairs and replacements can cost a few hundred to over $1,000. These costs can increase the final cost of a variable speed furnace. Costs are a repeating factor when discussing the downsides of variable speed furnaces, and it can be seen with repairs, too.
Repairs Can be Expensive
Because of their advanced parts and technology, repair costs for variable speed furnaces can be expensive. Prices will vary depending on the parts, so the final cost can be a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars.
For example, the variable-speed fan motor can cost around $1,300 on average to replace. A lot of furnace manufacturers offer warranties on parts, so if a homeowner qualifies, the parts can be covered.
Is It Worth Getting a Variable Speed Furnace?
If you’re considering a variable-speed furnace, consider your home’s heating needs, long-term comfort, and budget goals. The upfront cost is higher than a traditional furnace, but the efficiency and comfort benefits can outweigh these initial expenses over time. By comparing the pros and cons of variable speed furnaces, you will be better positioned to determine if this heating system is right for you.
At Monkey Wrench, we’ve worked with all types of heating systems, from heat pumps to variable speed furnaces. Through professional relationships with the top brands in the industry, our technicians are up to date with the latest in furnace technology.
If you’re interested in a variable-speed furnace and live in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, contact us using the button below. You can also book an appointment directly through our online scheduler.
Many of the top brands offer variable speed furnaces. Learn more about the top furnace brands for this year.
