Frequently Asked Questions

A single-stage furnace and a two-stage variable-speed furnace may look identical, but there is a very important difference. A single-stage furnace is sized to heat your home on the coldest days of the year. That means it delivers its full heating capacity, even on mild days. As a result, it produces uncomfortable temperature swings. A two-stage variable-speed furnace reduces temperature swings because it is two furnaces in one: low fire for mild days or high fire for only the coldest days. A two-stage variable-speed furnace typically operates in low fire 80% of the time which produces much more even heating. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

Like a single-stage furnace, a single-stage air conditioner only runs at full capacity. On mild days, the AC runs less often allowing humidity to build up to an uncomfortable level. A two-stage variable-speed AC runs for longer cycles which removes up to six times more moisture than a conventional unit. Plus with a GE ECM variable-speed blower motor, the air conditioner is able to extract even more moisture from the air. With less moisture, you can set the thermostat higher (e.g. thermostat settings: 70° for single stage; 72° for two stage) and save on electricity while being more comfortable. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

A conventional motor produces a high level of noise because it runs at full speed continuously. A two-stage variable-speed heating and cooling system uses a GE ECM variable-speed motor which automatically runs slower in low stage producing much less noise. In fact, it is practically silent in most installations. In addition, the ECM variable-speed motor is designed to ramp up to speed slowly which eliminates the sudden blast of air found in conventional systems. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

Because heat rises, a house is typically warmer upstairs. Zone controls can alleviate the problem by dividing the house into zones, each with its own thermostat. For example, when the upstairs zone calls for cooling, the system sends cooling to that zone independent of the rest of the house. When the thermostat is satisfied, the damper closes. This method delivers just the right amount of heating or cooling to each zone. A two-stage variable-speed heating and cooling system with an ECM motor is best for the varying demands of zone controls. It can provide just the right amount of airflow to maintain comfort in every zone in the house. In addition, because the system runs for longer cycles, the air is filtered more often. Temperature stratification (the effect of warm air rising and cool air sinking) is also lessened because the air is circulated more often. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

Sunshine can raise the temperature in a room 10 degrees or more. To compensate for this added heating, a zone-control system will automatically deliver more cooling in summer and less heating in winter so you can enjoy perfect temperatures year-round anywhere in the house. A two-stage variable-speed heating and cooling system with an ECM motor is best for the varying demands of zone controls. It can provide just the right amount of airflow to maintain comfort in every zone in the house. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

Most homes built within the last 15 years are so tightly insulated that very little fresh air can enter and little stale air can exit. This means that VOCs (volatile organic compounds given off by carpet, plywood, etc.), household chemicals, smoke, radon, odours have no way to escape, resulting in indoor air that can be 10 times worse than the smoggiest city. (Source: EPA) An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) provides a complete change of air every 3 hours. It also recovers up to 90% of the energy spent to heat or cool your house by taking it from the outgoing air and transferring it to the incoming air. The ECM is the most efficient motor available in an ERV. It will save you $75 annually (based on $.08/KWHr) compared to a conventional motor and is practically silent when it runs. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

Only a HEPA filter can remove up to 99% of air-borne contaminants associated with allergies and asthma. It is three filters in one: the first level filters out larger, visible particles; the charcoal filter removes smoke and odours; while the HEPA filter removes up to 99.97% of respirable particles from the air passing through it. The HEPA may also be set up to bring in outside air through an ERV or by a direct feed from the outside. The HEPA filter is powered by a GE ECM motor which means you can clean the air continuously for pennies a day. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

In winter the air in your house can be drier than most deserts. That dry air irritates sinuses, causes static electricity and can damage furniture and woodwork. A whole house humidifier attached to your ductwork can elevate winter humidity to a comfortable level. The humidifier is controlled with a humidistat. It works like a thermostat and allows you to set a comfortable level of humidity. In summer the humidistat works with your air conditioner to pull more moisture from the air when humidity is excessive. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems

An Ultimate Comfort System saves money* in five ways: 1. If your furnace is equipped with a GE ECM motor, you can save approximately $150 a year in electricity cost (at 8¢/kwh). 2. If you run your fan continuously to circulate the air, an ECM motor will save you another $240 annually. 3. If your energy recovery ventilator is powered by a GE ECM motor, you can save approximately $75 a year in electricity cost (at 8¢/kwh). 4. If your HEPA air filter is powered by a GE ECM motor, you can save approximately $160 a year in electricity cost (at 8¢/kwh). 5. If you have a two-stage heating and cooling system with a humidistat, you can save additional energy costs because you can set your thermostat up in summer (e.g. change setting from 70° to 72°) and down in winter (e.g. change setting from 72° to 70°) and still feel comfortable. SOURCE: GE Industrial Systems