Variable speed blower?
#1

I'm considering a Goodman GMV9 2-stage furnace with the variable speed blower. How does "variable-speed" differ from "multi-speed"? Does variable-speed mean that the furnace varies the blower setting or is it that the installer just has more of a selection of speeds from which to choose at the time of installation?
If using a 2-stage thermostat, does the furnace run the blower at different speeds depending on which stage is activated?
I spoke to the customer support at Goodman and she told me that the variable-speed blower has 3 speeds and the multi-speed has 2, which I know is wrong on both counts from reading the spec sheets for the various furnaces.
Thanks in advance,
Bob
If using a 2-stage thermostat, does the furnace run the blower at different speeds depending on which stage is activated?
I spoke to the customer support at Goodman and she told me that the variable-speed blower has 3 speeds and the multi-speed has 2, which I know is wrong on both counts from reading the spec sheets for the various furnaces.
Thanks in advance,
Bob
Last edited by bobbyt8888; 09-15-05 at 05:23 AM. Reason: Added icon
#2
A variable speed blower use much less power than a regular blower would.
VS use about 100 watts, where a regular blower may go up to 700 watts.
VS runs much more quieter slowly ramps up to speed, a regular sudden start at that speed.
I think what the phone person was meaning of 3-speed is 1-speed for A/C, 2-1st stage heating, 3-2nd stage heating.
A mulit is one speed for heating, another for cooling.
Best to go with variable speed! I have it and I'm very happy with it.. My parents, and aunt/uncle has and they are happy as well.
I don't know goodman, but on Trane, in A/C the blower ramps up slowly in speed in time.. Also on Trane when you use fan "ON" all times, it runs at a very slow speed, just enough to move the air, but not drafty or noisey.
VS use about 100 watts, where a regular blower may go up to 700 watts.
VS runs much more quieter slowly ramps up to speed, a regular sudden start at that speed.
I think what the phone person was meaning of 3-speed is 1-speed for A/C, 2-1st stage heating, 3-2nd stage heating.
A mulit is one speed for heating, another for cooling.
Best to go with variable speed! I have it and I'm very happy with it.. My parents, and aunt/uncle has and they are happy as well.
I don't know goodman, but on Trane, in A/C the blower ramps up slowly in speed in time.. Also on Trane when you use fan "ON" all times, it runs at a very slow speed, just enough to move the air, but not drafty or noisey.
Last edited by Jay11J; 09-15-05 at 02:13 PM.
#3
I finally spoke with an installer that I have known for years and he, like many of you, warned me against going with Goodman. He recommended Armstrong. Any thoughts for or against?
He also said that the VS blower will cost around $600 to replace as opposed to about $60 for a standard multi-speed. Does this sound right?
He also said that the VS blower will cost around $600 to replace as opposed to about $60 for a standard multi-speed. Does this sound right?
#4
Originally Posted by bobbyt8888
He also said that the VS blower will cost around $600 to replace as opposed to about $60 for a standard multi-speed.
#5
True that a VS motor may cost more to replace.. But I look at it in the long run..
-runs cheaper
-runs quieter
-soft air flow
I would strongly suggest an extented warranity on ANY equipement now days.
They just are not built like the old days..
I have a 10 years on mine, and I will know I don't have to pay a penny of something did wrong down the road.
-runs cheaper
-runs quieter
-soft air flow
I would strongly suggest an extented warranity on ANY equipement now days.
They just are not built like the old days..
I have a 10 years on mine, and I will know I don't have to pay a penny of something did wrong down the road.