On 12/11/2010 12:53 PM, Steve wrote:
"Home wrote in message ...
wrote:

While I don't agree with Home Guy on everything, I do agree that
in many cases the extra cost of models with an ECM blower aren't
worth it.

I'm guessing that it's increasingly high targets for energy efficiency
(combustion and electrical) set by gov't regulations is the reason why
we're seeing the use of ECM blower motors in consumer HVAC equipment,
just as we see the same when it comes to saftey equipment (air bags, ABS
brakes, CAFE and emissions standards) in cars. Probably the same reason
for electronic ignition vs standing pilot as well.

I can't believe that we'd see widespread use of ECM motors under true
free-market-driven conditions (ie - with no gov't efficiency mandates or
constraints).

A lot of us don't live where they have 9 months of winter sports, and
humidity control is a huge issue. Where I am, we run A/C from March 1st
until November 1st with average summer temps of 90F with 75% to 85% RH
you can *DO* what you want, you can be as ignorant as you want....thats your
problem.

I do this for a living, and I *KNOW* first hand what the benefits of the new
systems are, and how much my customers utility bills have dropped, as well
as their comfort level increasing.

You can *TRY* to re-engineer a new furnace by taking out the electronics,
ECM motor, and electronic ignition... Just remember that as soon as you
screw with it, you have voided the warranty, as well as the UL ratings and
if you burn your house down, your insurance company will deny the claim.

Maybe you should get a job in the engineering department with the equipment
manufacturers.



Steve, you can verify something for me because you do more of this work
than I do. I've noticed a dramatic drop in price for the ECM motors over
a period of time and I assume it's because millions of the things are
being produced now, economies of scale. I'm seeing an ECM replacement
for PSC motors offered like the Genteq EverGreen and I'm wondering if
you've converted any air handlers for customers or have considered it?

TDD