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Is Carrier Performance Boost 90 variable speed furnace?

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weicm3

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm about to make decision on our new a/c and furnace system (and HVAC contractor as well). We really want to go with the furnace with variable speed motor.

Comparison chart on Carrier website shows Performance 95 is variable speed and Performance Boost 90 is not variable speed. But in the product spec page, it says Performance Boost 90 has "Single-stage electronically controlled, programmed ECM" blower motor and contractor told me ECM motor is variable speed motor. Is it correct? Is Performance Boost 90 really the variable speed furnace?

Here are the two systems(from two different companies) in our final selection
1. Carrier - Performance Boost 90 furnace + Comfort Series A/C
2. Trane - XV95 furnace + XR15 A/C

Estimate for Trane is $1200 more but with free media filter. We were told both will qualify for tax credit. Company that uses Carrier is NATE certified (He's more like a one man company). The other company isn't NATE certified but with plumbing and electrical licenses. Any suggestion on which estimate/company to go with?
 
#2 ·
The performance boost uses an X13 motor which is ECM technology but NOT variable speed. It is as efficient or more efficient than variable speed but it doesn't have the variable speed logic.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
BaldLoonie said:
The performance boost uses an X13 motor which is ECM technology but NOT variable speed. It is as efficient or more efficient than variable speed but it doesn't have the variable speed logic.
Click to expand...
So, does it mean it's efficient energy consumption wise but the fan will not increase or decrease rpm during heating cycle?

I'm more interested in variable speed furnace because my understanding is that it will help distribute temperature evenly. Our house has lower level colder than 2nd level issue and was hoping variable speed furnace will help improve it.
 
#4 ·
Yes and no.

It's like putting an Evergreen IM or EcoTech ECM replacement motor into a PSC blower furnace to gain energy efficiency. It will operate at multiple set speeds, but not continuously variable.

The Boost 90 is a 2 stage furnace so will mostly run at the lower stage w/ lower speed fan which may help with your uneven heat.

Many of the benefits of the variable speed furnace with a simplier control algorithm.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
drewski11 said:
Yes and no.

It's like putting an Evergreen IM or EcoTech ECM replacement motor into a PSC blower furnace to gain energy efficiency. It will operate at multiple set speeds, but not continuously variable.

The Boost 90 is a 2 stage furnace so will mostly run at the lower stage w/ lower speed fan which may help with your uneven heat.

Many of the benefits of the variable speed furnace with a simplier control algorithm.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot! That clears my confusion.

I tend to select Trane system as XV95 is the true variable speed furnace. Any suggestion?
 
#6 ·
The XV95 is variable speed. It would match with the Carrier Performance 96.

Unless you don't qualify for the tax credit for whatever reason, I sure wouldn't buy a furnace that didn't.

The Carrier furnace in question appears to be a single stage, not 2 stage. 58MEC.
 
#7 ·
#9 ·
The info I have says it's a two stage gas valve with ECM motor.

We are thinking of getting this, paired with the Performance 17 AC unit and the Edge thermidistat (and an aprilaire 400 for the humidifier). I'm trying to see if there is any reason it would be better to go with the Infinity series over this? Both control humidity, both are very efficient, but this costs less.
 
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