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#1
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Thanks. |
#2
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
"mm" wrote in message
... Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? Furnace fans are commonly controlled by thermostat switches with three settings: Off = fan never runs On = fan runs always Automatic = fan runs when required by the heating unit. -- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa, Canada) |
#3
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On 10/17/2010 7:51 AM, Don Phillipson wrote:
wrote in message ... Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? Furnace fans are commonly controlled by thermostat switches with three settings: Off = fan never runs On = fan runs always Automatic = fan runs when required by the heating unit. Newer stuff with DC drive motors for the air handler may run at a very low speed continuously to even out the temperature of the home. The first HVAC system I came across with this feature had me thinking there was something wrong until I called the supplier and was assured it was a normal operating mode. The best bet is to call the manufacturer and find out if the continuous low speed is a feature of your new gear. TDD |
#4
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
mm wrote:
Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Our furnace has a continuously variable DC fan that is (as far as I know) always running. You set your thermostat fan control to "ON" and the computer manages the speed. When not calling for heating or cooling the fan runs very slowly. You might feel a slight draft from the vent, but you could never hear it running. This was explained as helping to "even out" the temperatures within the home. |
#5
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On 10/17/2010 10:06 AM, Rick Brandt wrote:
mm wrote: Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Our furnace has a continuously variable DC fan that is (as far as I know) always running. You set your thermostat fan control to "ON" and the computer manages the speed. When not calling for heating or cooling the fan runs very slowly. You might feel a slight draft from the vent, but you could never hear it running. This was explained as helping to "even out" the temperatures within the home. I have a new furnace (Amana) with the Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) inside blower. I know it doesn't run all the time. You can select continuous run on the thermostat. Also, there are different "programmable" features done my the HVAC guy like ramp up, ramp down, etc. I don't know if they can program any kind of constant run or not, but it probably depends on the brand. |
#6
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On 10/17/2010 1:12 AM, mm wrote:
Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Thanks. I believe mine runs at two speeds, high and low. Wife is constantly complaining that it is not as warm even though thermostat is constant, you just don't get that blast of warm air. Told her she is welcome to turn up the heat but at $3+ per gallon she is reticent to do so |
#7
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 08:51:08 -0400, "Don Phillipson"
wrote: "mm" wrote in message .. . Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? Furnace fans are commonly controlled by thermostat switches with three settings: Off = fan never runs On = fan runs always Automatic = fan runs when required by the heating unit. And the VAST majority of new furnace installations DO run the fan at low speed constantly when on "automatic" - kicking up to higher speeds when heat or cooling are called for. In most cases, AC blower is higher than heat blower speed. |
#8
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 08:22:54 -0500, The Daring Dufas
wrote: On 10/17/2010 7:51 AM, Don Phillipson wrote: wrote in message ... Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? Furnace fans are commonly controlled by thermostat switches with three settings: Off = fan never runs On = fan runs always Automatic = fan runs when required by the heating unit. Newer stuff with DC drive motors for the air handler may run at a very low speed continuously to even out the temperature of the home. The first HVAC system I came across with this feature had me thinking there was something wrong until I called the supplier and was assured it was a normal operating mode. The best bet is to call the manufacturer and find out if the continuous low speed is a feature of your new gear. TDD It is an available setting on virtually all currently available forced air furnaces - and ALL DC variable speed systems. |
#9
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
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#10
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:06:26 -0500, Rick Brandt
wrote: mm wrote: Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Our furnace has a continuously variable DC fan that is (as far as I know) always running. You set your thermostat fan control to "ON" and the computer manages the speed. Does that mean if you set it to auto, it would go off when the furnace isn't running? I like the feature you describe if I'm not stuck using it when I don't want to. When not calling for heating or cooling the fan runs very slowly. You might feel a slight draft from the vent, but you could never hear it running. I'm afraid I might. It is a straight shot from the furnace to the big vent in the hall right outside the bedroom door, and the noise of my current fan has been a big problem. I tried changing the fixed speed on my fan, by connecting different wires, but as the schematic said, it was already on the lowest speed. I have to shut the door when I'm sleeping or trying to get to sleep. This was explained as helping to "even out" the temperatures within the home. If my temps are uneven, I either don't notice or don't mind. Thanks to everyone including you, Dufas, and clare. |
#11
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Oct 17, 11:00*am, Frank wrote:
On 10/17/2010 1:12 AM, mm wrote: Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. * One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! *That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. *But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Thanks. I believe mine runs at two speeds, high and low. Wife is constantly complaining that it is not as warm even though thermostat is constant, you just don't get that blast of warm air. Told her she is welcome to turn up the heat but at $3+ per gallon she is reticent to do so - Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Running continuously does use some electricity, but it probably cheaper than spurts of high speed whenever the plenum temperature is above the preset turn-on temperature. Due to the eveness of the temperature, you can proably set the thermostat a couple of degrees coller than normal (for wintertime use) because you won't have the temperature swings that you get with an off-on type of operation. |
#12
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
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#14
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
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#15
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:50:34 -0400, Frank
wrote: On 10/17/2010 5:11 PM, hr(bob) wrote: On Oct 17, 11:00 am, wrote: On 10/17/2010 1:12 AM, mm wrote: Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Thanks. I believe mine runs at two speeds, high and low. Wife is constantly complaining that it is not as warm even though thermostat is constant, you just don't get that blast of warm air. Told her she is welcome to turn up the heat but at $3+ per gallon she is reticent to do so - Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Running continuously does use some electricity, but it probably cheaper than spurts of high speed whenever the plenum temperature is above the preset turn-on temperature. Due to the eveness of the temperature, you can proably set the thermostat a couple of degrees coller than normal (for wintertime use) because you won't have the temperature swings that you get with an off-on type of operation. Can't remember where we set it with old furnace but when wife is cold she nudges it up. Furnace or fan does not run continuously. This depends on how it's set up. My thermostat has a "continuous" setting that keeps the fan running. I've heard similar complaints about heat pumps that don't put out a burst of heat but give even temperature control. The problem with heat pumps is that the temperature rise isn't enough (optimized for efficiency) so they blow much colder air than a hot-air furnace. I call mine "forced cold air heat". To compensate I have to keep the house a good 5F warmer, and that still doesn't make up for the drafts. |
#16
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 16:35:43 -0400, mm
wrote: On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 13:48:20 -0400, wrote: On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 08:22:54 -0500, The Daring Dufas wrote: On 10/17/2010 7:51 AM, Don Phillipson wrote: wrote in message ... Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? Furnace fans are commonly controlled by thermostat switches with three settings: Off = fan never runs On = fan runs always Automatic = fan runs when required by the heating unit. Newer stuff with DC drive motors for the air handler may run at a very low speed continuously to even out the temperature of the home. The first HVAC system I came across with this feature had me thinking there was something wrong until I called the supplier and was assured it was a normal operating mode. After you knew it wasn't broken, did you like it? Right now, I like the total quiet that occurs at least when the furnace isn't running. Part of the year that's 80 or 90 percent of the time. The best bet is to call the manufacturer and find out if the continuous low speed is a feature of your new gear. TDD It is an available setting on virtually all currently available forced air furnaces - and ALL DC variable speed systems. When you say "available" do you mean I could turn it off if I want to? Definitely. It is programmable. I don't have that now, and I've never felt the need to have the temperature evened out. Do you mind the fan going all the time? I don't mind it at all. It drowns out the hum from the CFLs. As an aside - I replaced a 30 year old standard gas furnace with a new 85%+ non-condensing 2 stage gas furnace with DC blower fan - and my gas bill did not change AT ALL. Upon investigation and questioning both the furnace people and the gas utility I found out the improved efficiency of the DC blower motor meant the blower was not providing nearly as much heat to the system, so the furnace needed to provide more - and the difference in efficiency of the burner (my old one surprised all the furnace techs who ever checked it by running 85% or better) and the heat needed to compenste for the more efficient blower fan just cancelled out. The electricity bill DID go down. |
#17
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 16:40:54 -0400, mm
wrote: On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 09:06:26 -0500, Rick Brandt wrote: mm wrote: Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time? How do multii-speed fans in new OIL warm air furnaces work. One webpage said that such a fan might use 200 watts, but the one speed fan my current furnace has might use 800 watts! That seems amazing. It also gave the impression that when the furnace calls for the low speed fan, it's because the fan runs all the time. Is that right? I'm used to the idea that very few oil furnaces have efficiency 90% or greater, and that they are very expensive. But if I get a electronically controlled fan with the furnace, that part of the furnace is eligible for the Federal Energy Credit, and I presume it's something I want to have anyhow. But I'd like to know how it works before I buy one. Our furnace has a continuously variable DC fan that is (as far as I know) always running. You set your thermostat fan control to "ON" and the computer manages the speed. Does that mean if you set it to auto, it would go off when the furnace isn't running? I like the feature you describe if I'm not stuck using it when I don't want to. If I turned the fan switch at the thermostat OFF the blower fan still ran at low speed. If I turned it ON, it ran constantly at high speed. If I turned it to AUTO it ran at low speed untill the furnace came on, then went to high. If I turned the furnace switch off, the blower did not run. The new digital thermostat I have now does not have a fan control switch. Just a heat-off-cool switch, and even with it OFF the blower fan runs at low speed. If I don't want the fan running I can still throw the furnace power switch When not calling for heating or cooling the fan runs very slowly. You might feel a slight draft from the vent, but you could never hear it running. I'm afraid I might. It is a straight shot from the furnace to the big vent in the hall right outside the bedroom door, and the noise of my current fan has been a big problem. I tried changing the fixed speed on my fan, by connecting different wires, but as the schematic said, it was already on the lowest speed. I have to shut the door when I'm sleeping or trying to get to sleep. The direct drive DC blower fan on my furnace is less than57 dB a foot from the furnace or in the next room with the door open (c scale) and does not indicate at all on the 60dB scale of my Micronta(radio shack) digital sound meter with the door closed (2 heat oputlets in the room) On the "A" scale it does not even read in the furnace room. This was explained as helping to "even out" the temperatures within the home. If my temps are uneven, I either don't notice or don't mind. Thanks to everyone including you, Dufas, and clare. |
#18
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
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#19
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 17:50:34 -0400, Frank
wrote: On 10/17/2010 5:11 PM, hr(bob) wrote: .......... Running continuously does use some electricity, but it probably cheaper than spurts of high speed whenever the plenum temperature is above the preset turn-on temperature. Due to the eveness of the temperature, you can proably set the thermostat a couple of degrees coller than normal (for wintertime use) because you won't have the temperature swings that you get with an off-on type of operation. Can't remember where we set it with old furnace but when wife is cold she nudges it up. Furnace or fan does not run continuously. I replied before clare said that his done run all the time. What brand of furnace do you have? Is it an ECM kind? Is it oil? I think I want ECM, but only if I can turn the fan off entirely. Especially if I go out of town for a week, there is abosolutely no point in having the fan run when the burner is not burning. I've heard similar complaints about heat pumps that don't put out a burst of heat but give even temperature control. |
#20
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
Ideally, a furnace is matched for the size of the house, and matched
to the needs. It should run nearly all the time on the winter's coldest days. -- Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus www.lds.org .. "mm" wrote in message ... I've heard similar complaints about heat pumps that don't put out a burst of heat but give even temperature control. That's different though. A heat pump can't put out that much heat. So I gather they run all the time when it's pretty cold, so I guess they have to run the fan too. An oil furnace can put out plenty of heat, and even if the temp rises and falls, that don't bother me**. My main concern is if I can set the fan to go on only when the furnace is running (not counting that it starts late and stops late even now, based on I guess what hr said, plenum temperature). I want to be able to do that. Do furnaces with ECM allow that? Because there are still plenty of oil furnaces sold that DON'T have ECM. Thanks. I can't ask the manufacturer easily because I haven't picked out either a furnace company or a furnace, and some salesmen will just say "Sure". **The temp rise and fall is like a compresed version of the seasons! |
#21
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Do low-speed fans on new warm air oil furnaces run all the time?
On Sun, 17 Oct 2010 22:58:19 -0400, "Stormin Mormon"
wrote: Ideally, a furnace is matched for the size of the house, and matched to the needs. It should run nearly all the time on the winter's coldest days. Well, if even a small furnace puts out more heat than a heat pump, and a heat pump is adequate for a given outside temperature, I don't see how a furnace nearby would have to run nearly all the time. -- "mm" wrote in message .. . I've heard similar complaints about heat pumps that don't put out a burst of heat but give even temperature control. That's different though. A heat pump can't put out that much heat. So I gather they run all the time when it's pretty cold, so I guess they have to run the fan too. An oil furnace can put out plenty of heat, and even if the temp rises and falls, that don't bother me**. My main concern is if I can set the fan to go on only when the furnace is running (not counting that it starts late and stops late even now, based on I guess what hr said, plenum temperature). I want to be able to do that. Do furnaces with ECM allow that? Because there are still plenty of oil furnaces sold that DON'T have ECM. Thanks. I can't ask the manufacturer easily because I haven't picked out either a furnace company or a furnace, and some salesmen will just say "Sure". **The temp rise and fall is like a compresed version of the seasons! |
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