ECM Variable Speed Blowers
An ECM Variable Speed Blower Motor in a squirrel cage blower
Variable speed blower motors have become increasingly popular in residential air conditioning and heating systems and for good reason; these motors increase efficiency of the systems and offer a whole range of other benefits that help the system and the consumer.
Variable Speed Blower Motors first offer a higher efficiency for air conditioning systems based on the manufacturers set up of the control with the ECM Variable Speed Motor. Each manufacturer calls it a different thing such as Trane calling it the Comfort R and Carrier calling it Infinity Control. Despite what the manufacturer calls it helps efficiency with air conditioning by starting the blower slowly and letting it run at a 50% speed for the first few minutes (up to 7 minutes) to remove more humidity. This increases comfort and efficiency by removing more moisture from the air. The lower the humidity in the cooler you will feel so the variable speed blower with this type of control will enhance comfort.
ECM variable speed motor manufacturers include General Electric and Emerson with Emerson offering their very own packaged control and control program to meet various control sequences to meet efficiency and comfort for any manufacturer that uses the Emerson ECM variable speed motors for their equipment.
Other benefits include:
- Soft start capabilities which reduces high inrush current like conventional blower motors.
- Precision control to deliver a set amount of CFM’s for whatever the HVAC equipment manufacturers need for their equipment for airflow control.
- High efficiency which reduces energy bills.
- Very quiet operation
- Better comfort as described above
One of the disadvantages include a high replacement cost if something happens to the motor or controls. ECM variable speed motors need the attention of a qualified HVAC technician if something goes wrong as special diagnostic tools are needed to diagnose any problems which may arise with the motor or controls.
These motors are typically offered in the medium to higher end models of air handlers and furnaces so you will have to pay a little more for the initial cost but the benefits will give you a pay back in the future with increased comfort and higher efficiency. Here at High Performance HVAC we always recommend going for higher efficiency models because the cost of energy is not going to go down in the future and the high efficiency models will help reduce the cost of energy so your utility bills will be reasonable in the future. The bonus this air handler or furnace component also adds comfort while increasing efficiency.
Troubleshooting ECM Blower Motors Basics
Never assume the blower motor is bad. Always perform a cursory look at other components and inputs before condemning the ECM blower motor. Check the air filters and duct work integrity before beginning component checks outlined below. The system needs good air flow to function properly.
- Check the main control board in the air handler. Wiring connections including the thermostat wire coming from the thermostat. Always perform these checks with the power turned off. Check for loose connections, corrosion, and burned spots on the board. Some HVAC equipment has an additional control board for control of the ECM blower motor in the air handler. Also check all the connections going to the motor including pins inside the molex plug connection. A bent or loose pin will cause problems.. A plastic molex plug should make the connection between the motor and the control board.
- Next check the input voltage for the board. Restore power and use a volt meter to check both the main line voltage and the control voltage. The control board should use 24 volt for the control voltage and all voltage ranges should be plus or minus 10%. Make sure that the safety circuit is good. Switches in the safety circuit will keep the system from running.
- Using the manufacturers instructions, check additional settings on the control board. Many have dip switches that will control RPM’s for the proper air flow for the sizing requirements of the system. Ensure these are set properly.
- Ensure when you start the system that you wait for the programmed delays. An ECM blower motor, properly programmed, will start off very slow and then ramp up to a low speed according to what the program calls for. After a specific period of time, usually around 7 minutes, the blower will ramp up to 100% of the program according to where the dip switch settings is set for RPM’s or CFM’s.
If this doesn’t work then and you still have problems check with the manufacturer for a ECM blower motor troubleshooting flow chart or guide. Some manufacturers have a diagnostic tool that will confirm specific problems and can indicate if the motor or the controls are bad. If the motor is turning too many RPM’s or not enough RPM’s and is causing issues with the air conditioning or heating system because of improper air flow then it is a good idea to check the dip switch settings on the board. Good luck.
More on ECM Blower Motors Here
Air Handler Information
ECM Blower Motors
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