CHICAGO — Furnaces are growing smarter and more efficient, specifically to meet new U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) standards and to fulfill the comfort demands of end users. Terminology talk at the AHR Expo focused on variable-speed compressors, electronically commutated motors (ECMs), and variable-capacity systems as well as diagnostics and troubleshooting tools for contractors.

“Although we think about the new DOE efficiencies with respect to air conditioner and heat pump matches, the furnace plays an integral role with fan efficiency for the system match,” said Jeff Preston, product manager, Johnson Controls Unitary Products Group. “More applications featuring furnaces with high-efficiency fan motors and fewer with PSC [permanent split capacitor] motors will emerge. Technicians will need to familiarize themselves with the operation of electronically commutated motor products.”