Originally published in March 2017, updated May 2020.

Newer generation heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment often has dual or variable speed drives and 2-stage compressors. A traditional HVAC compressor is either on or off, blowing conditioned air at full blast until the desired temperature is reached in your Satellite Beach, FL home. It then turns off, allowing indoor temperatures to fluctuate. When the temperature rises, the unit again comes on. Variable speed drives minimize fluctuations in temperature, keeping the indoor environment more comfortable and at an even temperature. Here are a few advantages of variable speed systems.

Energy Efficiency With Variable Speed Systems

Variable speed motors work only as hard as is needed, which increases energy efficiency. During cooler times of day, the system runs at lower speeds, using less energy to maintain temperatures and control humidity. When temperatures rise, the unit runs at higher speeds. Usually a variable or multi-speed system runs at about 67 percent instead of 100 percent power. By maintaining a constant temperature, the compressor does not have to work as hard. You save both fuel and money.

Comfortable Indoor Environment

Variable speed systems create a more comfortable indoor environment because they are better able to control both temperature and humidity, often a concern in Florida. By reducing temperature fluctuations, occupants feel more comfortable. Units run more slowly and for longer periods of time at lower speeds, removing more humidity from the air.

Prolonging Equipment Life

Multi-speed drives reduce wear and tear on equipment, prolonging the life of the system. Units that run at full power for short periods of time switch on and off more frequently. These systems runs at slower speeds initially, gradually accelerating instead of ramping up and running at full speed immediately.

About Ellington Air Conditioning and Heat

Ellington Air Conditioning and Heat provides heating, air conditioning, and indoor air quality services for residents of Brevard and Volusia County, FL and Sebastian and Vero Beach. We are a family-owned business, priding ourselves on excellent customer service. We are Trane Comfort Specialists, which means we must provide state-of-the-art technical expertise and strive for 100 percent customer satisfaction to retain this prestigious designation.

We install and service all makes and models of HVAC equipment. Call us to learn more about how installing a variable speed motor will help you save energy and money.