In this case, to adjust the blower speeds, move the dip switches (in the red section of the control board) to the positions shown in the manufacturer's installation instructions. rev2023.3.3.43278. Then switch the jumper to your desired speed. The same is true when changing the air duct filter. One thing I found consistently was that making changes on the RS-485 hydro heat control board and W1-W3 jumpering had notable effects (more CFM's at my test register) while messing with the mainboard DIP switches had little to no effect. The blower motor also begins running, but at low rpm. (Heat transfer wasn't one of my favorite classes in college - I focused more on dynamic systems, sorry.). I want to do what is best. A dirty air filter can cause your HVAC system to go into overdrive and result in costly energy bills. 01 - Trane Furnace Control Board. and our Motor is an ECM and it makes a low pitched whine sound when in CIRC or when the blower is ramping up or slowing down to stop. If you are a homeowner looking to repair your own appliance, understand that the voltages can be lethal, the fuels are highly flammable and high pressures are used. Here are some of them: Better circulation of heated and cooled air. In fact, there's no need to worry about the fan wearing out or breaking down because it's designed to run continuously, and there's an array of benefits connected to this. This X-13 model shown above designates the speeds taps as numbers, not as colors, to denote each speed. Connect the common wire to the neutral terminal of the furnace's control board. Usually there will be three "speeds" ranging from 40 to 100% of airflow. In humid climates, 350 CFM per ton can be selected in order to remove more moisture from the air. -The BTU/HR size is selectable between 48,000 42,000 36,000 or 30,000 BTU/HR. Fortunately, theres a simple fix if you look at your furnaces Integrated Furnace Control (IFC) board. You will also see the red E icon under Emergency . If you are having problems, find your fans users manual and use it as a guide. I have been reading that the br wire can be used to let the thermostat control the fan speed, or the furnace itself can be programmed to ramp up the fan speed. #3. If you have not read that yet, I would encourage you to do so! The hot air will rise and heat the floor from beneath, a DIY form of radiant floor heating. This is an old thread but I am going to post my experience: I have an oil furnace, at some point someone (a furnace tech) adjusted the blower to run slower thinking it would provide more hot air by slowing the air to heat up more before supplying the house. The arrow should face the direction the air is flowing. Thanks for the reply. Adjusting the Airflow Speed on ECM Blower Fan Motors! The noise is there in heat or AC. It can happen for lots of reasons, from improper furnace sizing and dirty filters to air duct insulation failures to the room being farthest from the furnace. It is about 1300-1400 sq feet, but then the basement was finished at some point, more or less doubling the square footage. It helps to have over 50 years of farming and ranching experience. A MERV rating speaks to the filters ability to capture large particles. air flow is inadequate to match demand and duct size. Each is associated with a different blower speed. If a clear distinction between the blower speeds isn't obvious in the data, then you're probably not going to save much money either way, so go with what's most comfortable for you. Thanks for contributing an answer to Home Improvement Stack Exchange! Then switch the jumper to your desired speed. All rights reserved. I recently had have a trane xl 90 want to adjust speed of blower fan blower motor has 4 wires white going to neutral black unhooked blue to high speed yellow to I have a Trane Indoor Air Handler Model No. If the terminals are present at the motor module (ECM X-13) you can switch speeds at the blower motor location. For business related inquires email us at info@acservicetech.com. Top 10 Spots! If you want to learn about refrigerants and how they work in a system, check out our Refrigerant Charging and Service Procedures for Air Conditioning book . Roughly 400 CFM is needed for every 1 ton (12,000 BTU/HR) of Heat Removal Capacity in Air Conditioning Systems. (Without enclosing my house in a climate-controlled bubble). Slowing the blower speed reduced the noise but I take it you would still like it to be more silent. 81K views 2 years ago In this video, we are changing the blower speed on a Trane XR 95 furnace so that the forced air furnace circulates more air on heat mode. Standard blower motors operate at a single speed and cost around $450 to replace, including parts and labor, while variable-speed motors cost $600 and up. Meanwhile, the Circulate setting is a hybrid and auto that keeps the fan running throughout heating cycles and then again for a few minutes every hour even when the furnace is off. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). He is committed to outdoor cooking in a Bar-B-Q pit he welded together several years ago. Also, if you are looking for a video to better help understand this topic, check out our "Adjusting HVAC Blower Speed CFM on Furnace & AC Units!" If the Delta T continues to rise, this is due to low indoor airflow. I have a Trane Variable Speed Air Handler (TWE049E13FB2). The noise of forced air is annoying. Related: a two stage furnace works by actually shooting less gas out, which might improve its efficiency. If power is getting to the blower motor, but the motor does not run, the motor may be burned out. Switched it to heat (in which case the furnace board is in control of the fan, not the stat) - got fire, no fan. suggestions. The airflow adjustments on this board are pictured below. On most control boards there will be a jumper that is marked to show that it controls the speed. Various advertisements for variable speed high efficiency furnaces call them "more energy efficiency" (note also the difference between a variable speed blower and a high efficiency furnace, they're separate, for instance you can have a variable speed blower on a low efficiency furnace). At night with an even lower set point I switch the fan speed to automatic. Now that would turn the blower speed down on you. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Not every AC or furnace filter will have an arrow printed on the frame, but when it does the arrow indicates the direction the filter must face. On my furnace the schematic showed there were three speed settings. They have a built in or attached capacitor that will allow the motor to turn on, turn off and run at a constant speed when running. Filters help protect the many parts of your heating and cooling unit from debris and buildup that can shorten the working life of the system. the module must be a trane furnace model specific programmed and is available separate from the motor. Can a furnace with a variable speed blower be used in a multistory house? How to Lower the Ouptut of Oversized Furnace. I know that it has been done. Air filters should be changed every 90 days unless otherwise indicated on the packaging or by the manufacturer. 3 of the wires will likely terminate with just a twist on cap. This video is to show how you can figure out the blower speed setup in your HVAC system, and what you can do do adjust said speeds. I can unsubscribe and opt-out from future communications at any time. There are often five wire colors coming from your blower to your IFC. You need to follow the wiring diagram inside the HVAC unit. When he's not enjoying family time with his wife and three boys, he loves tinkering with projects and geeking out on electronics. I just moved into a house with a Trane XR80 furnace (several years old). If there isnt one in your home, turn it off at the breaker box. I'll just run the heat pump through the leaky ductwork and heat the crawl space. lower efficiency furnace) it is drafting exhaust up the flue which can't be good. -The "AC/HP CFM Adjust" is the airflow volume to be set for system, efficiency, comfort. It wasn't the noise that was bothering me, it was the desert-like sensation of swirling dry air. Cut the wire's terminal connector off with wire cutters. Employment/Education Highlights Remove two screws from each bracket leg holding the motor. With heating oil at $4.50/gal I can assure you without measuring anything that running my blower on low is NOT more efficient from a $$ perspective. The blower is set for 400 cfm for a 4 ton outdoor unit, and comfort-R is not enabled (all factory). I know I need to replace a dying blower motor in a 1992 Trane . The video will also explain other safety measures, as well as some for a demonstration which I will show. Its not advisable to slow your furnace blower speed. To switch the jumper, you will need to hold onto it gently as you pull it out of its current setting. This can be done through an independent dehumidistat or through a thermostat's DEHUM terminal (if available). If you need assistance determining the best filter for your unit, a Trane employee would be happy to assist you. Bus Driver/Substitute Teacher Check back regularly as we are always updating and improving thiswebsite! The wires that are used will determine the speed settings that the motor will run at. My heat is running cold! By regularly changing your filter, you can improve your indoor air quality and extend the life of your heating and cooling system. Air filters are typically found behind the return vent door, often located in the ceiling or wall in the central portion of your home. It provides quieter and more even and comfortable heat than a conventional furnace and doesnt consume electricity unnecessarily. After understanding what speed each tap is programmed for, we can make proper airflow adjustments. Therefore for anybody thinking to adjust their blower speed to a low setting be mindful and use caution and listen carefully as to how the system is running. (Variable & Multi-Speed Types), In this HVAC training article, we will be discussing how to adjust the fan speeds on an indoor, In order to measure air flow you could use a flow capture hood, a rotating vane anemometer, or a, I hope this helps you understand how to adjust the airflow speed on ECM Blower Motors! Know your limits. -The "AUX Heat" makes sure that there is enough airflow when elect strip heat is called. Changing the fan wire connection between the fan-on relay and the fan motor, selecting a high, medium, or low speed right on the fan motor itself Changing jumper positions on the control board (printed circuit board shown below) in the air handler Changing a dip switch or small slider switch position provided on some air handler control boards Locate the speed wires. He is also an HVACR Contracting Business owner of 16 years and holds an NJ HVACR Master License. BS in Industrial Technology, If you know what you are doing, it is very simple to adjust the speed of, Before you begin this process it is a good idea to make sure that no power is going to the fan. Use dish soap and a soft-bristle brush or sponge to remove stuck-on debris. BarnArtist, locate the wiring schematic on your furnace. A slim, removable cover will reveal the filter location. I am currently heavily invested in studying and learning the subject as I commit myself to reducing my winter energy costs this year. If you want to solve the air noise problem, move the return air filters out of their hallway locations back to the upstream side of the return air duct at the furnace. DoItYourself.com, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Trane XR80 Troubleshooting After examining the flashing system you should check the green light speed. Privacy Policy. I'm not completely convinced on this, since the claim is made by a company that sells variable speed blowers for retrofitting HVAC systems. The S8X1 blower has 9 speeds. Western VA. Nov 28, 2009. enjoys making jams and jellies during fruit season along with cooking meals. Step 3. Pollen, dust, clothing and carpet fibers, hair spray, mold spores, Pollen, dust, clothing and carpet fibers, hair, mold spores, legionella, pet dander, Pollen, dust, clothing and carpet fibers, hair spray, mold spores, bacteria, pet dander, cooking oil, most tobacco smoke, smog, Air filters are the first defense against the pollutants in your air, but building a complete air filtration system can help support an even higher quality of indoor air. Does lowering the blower speed of a forced-air furnace lower its efficiency? HVAC system for small church has twin Trane XR90 units installed in 2009 to replace a unit with a much larger single blower. He also builds custom tools for metal working. For business related inquires email us at. Yes--the efficiency of the heat exchanger will decrease. The furnace operates for two minutes or so before it shuts down. The low pitched whine stops when fan is in high speed. It is a Trane S8X1 single stage furnace and air handler, paired with an XR16 3 ton AC unit. I connected a second thermostat to the circuit board to run the blower (R to G). On the furnace / air handler board you should have two wires on the "Y2" connection, assuming a two-stage cooling system. (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); On my furnace IFC, the black (high speed) wire is connected to the air conditioning (cool) terminal, and yellow (medium-high speed) is connected to the (heat) terminal. Sometimes less cmf will give the air more time in the heat exchanger thus letting it get hotter. This lower blower speed enhances We have been heating the crawl space in our house for several winters because the ductwork was all torn up from rats. Turn off power at the main electric panel. In this HVAC training article, we will be discussing how to adjust the fan speeds on an indoor ECM variable speed blower motor and an ECM constant torque/multi-speed blower motor. Available Monday Friday from 8am to 6pm CST, We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. Any takers? It is important to know that you cant go by a normal color code to determine the speeds. In a gas furnace, (the most common type of furnace used in homes) natural gas is ignited in the burner and the flames heat up the heat exchanger. The system might not work properly. The NET difference of the above two figures is your savings or cost. No need for direct trane replacment motor. Stage 3 Aux Heating. Where To Find R-22 & R410A Leaks on AC Units! The problem is, the furnace control module doesn't use a separate speed when the unit is running in continuous FAN mode. If 1600 CFM is too high of an airflow volume and only 1200 CFM is needed because the system is a 36,000 BTU/HR air conditioner, we can swap the yellow with the black wire on the motor module. Sometimes you have to add more ducts to achieve the proper pressure and velocity. The wire's color will determine the speed settings that the motor will run at. Select Climate from the blue menu on the left side of the page. How to use Slater Type Orbitals as a basis functions in matrix method correctly? I have a Carrier furnace/heat pump with an expensive control thermostat that talks directly to the heat pump. If you remove the common and place it on another terminal, it can burn out your motor not how you want the new furnace season to begin. Changing your HVAC and furnace air filter is a vital part of home maintenance. Trane is a top rated US company of HVAC systems that offer quality and reliability. As a side note, lowering furnace (heating) blower speed should apparently only be done if it doesn't reduce the "heat rise" (difference in temperature between the intake and supply air, if I understand it, also known as the "delta T") past the manufacturer recommended value for that furnace. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. In the pictured example above, if the #5 speed tap is programmed for 1600 CFM and #4 is programmed for 1200 CFM and #5 is presently connected to the "Cool" terminal on the control board via the black wire, we know that the unit is running at around 1600 CFM as long as the TESP across the unit is not too high. But I guess my question is, can the air flow problem really be a simple as upping the blower speed? All rights reserved. For this reason, pair your Variable Speed AC unit with one of the following components: Hyperion TAM9 Air Handler, XC 80 Gas Furnace, XC 95M Furnace, or S9V2. To begin, turn off the power to your furnace. 1995-2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Typically the colors are: White = neutral speed Red = low speed Yellow = medium speed Black = high speed We welcome your comments and suggestions. A 90 percent-plus furnace needs 150 cfm per 10,000 Btu of input. He currently has a home shop where he sharpens and rebuilds saws, repairs lawn mowers, mobility scooters, hydraulic jacks, and anything else that comes along. If the instructions are not with the furnace, you can look up the model number of the unit and search for the installation manual via a google search. Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Helm is an accomplished DIY craftsman. Usually, gas furnaces have a temp rise of 50F. Since I first posted this thread, my installer called Trane to get an answer to my original question. All Logos & Trademark Belongs To Their Respective Owners, Maintaining temperature over a longer period of time is more efficient than getting a room to temperature quickly, A lower fan speed ensures your heat pump will run for longer periods of time which is required for the system to go into whats called a defrost mode (. . Design Engineer/Project Manager for injection molded plastic company It accounts for the amount of air in circulation for precision airflow. On this control board, there are multiple adjustments for the airflow speeds. He maintains fruit and nut trees along with helping his wife with a vegetable garden. For more information, please see our The company offers a variety of furnaces to suits the needs of every home. Website operating Soak the filter in warm water in a bathtub or sink. I would think adjusting the heating element would save more energy than reducing the blower's electric consumption, but I didn't do a study on it myself. charts are usually found on the air handler inside door to controls. Air Filter - Be sure to check the air filter and replace if necessary. No problem with the boiler. These adjustments can be made by pulling the single wire connector and moving it to another single tab positioned horizontally in each row. When the system calls for heat and the inducer fan begins to run, check each pressure switch terminal. The constant air turn over at a lower set point keeps the house comfortable. Step 4: Take out the inducer motor. The ohm meter should read very close to zero. To start, ECM stands for Electronically Commutated Motor which means that the motor is capable of electronically controlling it's own speed, and therefore CFM, according to the desired output. Carefully disconnect the wires from the coolant terminal, which is located on the back of the unit. I have also measured that on low speed my furnace requires AT-LEAST 1 hour of constant running to raise my home temp by 6 deg F. On high speed it takes 30-40 min. Be sure to check out our previous article on ", If you want to learn about refrigerants and how they work in a system, check out our. Comfort R should be off if you are using . Home House & Components Systems Heating & Cooling System Air Conditioners. New XV80 Trane furnace makes noise when blower runs at low speed. Therefore I again adjusted the speed upward a bit and that seemingly has corrected the problem. When changing the AC or furnace filter, the arrow should face the furnace and point away from the return duct. ECM blower motors do not require an external capacitor to operate. I just had a Trane system installed last week and I've been very happy with it! In other units, it may be 2, 3, and 4 that are programmed. Your OP was a noise complaint. Recently I did a blower speed adjustment on the 2nd floor air. The remaining colored wires will be default speeds. To help ensure you're breathing healthier air and supporting your heating and cooling system to operate at an optimal level, follow the simple steps in this video to change your furnace filter assuggested. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? 10 Reasons a Blower Fan Won't Start in a Furnace, AC or Heat Pump. How exactly could I test this? (Variable & Multi-Speed Types) In this HVAC training article, we will be discussing how to adjust the fan speeds on an indoor ECM variable speed blower motor and an ECM constant torque/multi-speed blower motor. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Heat exchange takes time. I thought of a way to prevent the nasty smell been coming through the vents, keep the cockroaches and rats out, and heat the house without having to go down and repair the ductwork, all at the same time: seal up the foundation vents with insulation and replace the thermostat with a remote bulb thermostat locating the sensor under the house. Luci is a contributing writer for DoItYourself.com. The factory may only set two or three of these colors as actual speeds. Thus, my blower can't be using that much electricity on high. I'd like to get some second opinions. Secure the old speed wire by twisting a wire nut over the end. Shay Tilander is a senior editor at Family Handyman. The higher the MERV rating, the better the filter is at capturing specific pollutants from the air.