Furnace 1 vs 2 stage

[bmich]

Furnace went out today.  Motor current furnace is two stage but the blower motor went out, new motor is quoted 1800 from HVAC guy.  Says ECM motor is stupid expensive right now.  So, I need a few furnace, current one is 17 yrs old, maybe end of life?   How much money am I looking at for 1 vs 2 stage.  Is 1 stage worth it?  Or is it really expensive to run.  I am on Natural gas and current winter bills run me about 150.00 for gas a month.  What would a 1 stage run me on gas?  I have a bi-level brick 2200 sq ft house.  Is 1 stage worth it or give me the run down.  Then on to brands?  What does everyone recommend.  I have Armstrong now.  Thanks for the advice.

[bmich]

Thank you youtube . https://www.amazon.com/QwikProducts-Qwik...en_US&th=1

This thing allows you to convert a ECM motor to a PSC motor!

[JDuke]

Thank you youtube .  https://www.amazon.com/QwikProducts-Qwik...en_US&th=1

This thing allows you to convert a ECM motor to a PSC motor!

Where do you live?

Furnace only?  Is it also AC?

I’m in Texas so my answer may not apply where you are, but I’d look at a heat pump type system that’s variable speed with gas heat.

[Cabinet Monkey]

Furnace went out today.  Motor current furnace is two stage but the blower motor went out, new motor is quoted 1800 from HVAC guy.  Says ECM motor is stupid expensive right now.  So, I need a few furnace, current one is 17 yrs old, maybe end of life?   How much money am I looking at for 1 vs 2 stage.  Is 1 stage worth it?  Or is it really expensive to run.  I am on Natural gas and current winter bills run me about 150.00 for gas a month.  What would a 1 stage run me on gas?  I have a bi-level brick 2200 sq ft house.  Is 1 stage worth it or give me the run down.  Then on to brands?  What does everyone recommend.  I have Armstrong now.  Thanks for the advice.

Boy ………….you sure are asking a lot.

17 years old furnace is aging , but end of life ?  Who knows?  I’ve had Trane units last 25+.  YMMV. 

How much does a new unit costs ???   Ask the providers in your town.  What I paid for mine has no bearing in your neighborhood. They cost between $3000 - $16,000 installed.  

Is one stage worth it ?  Sure - if you want heat.  Did you mean is 2 stg. worth the xtra $ ?  Depends on your wants, needs and pocketbook. 2 stg is more efficient and most think more comfortable. Worth is subjective. It’s gonna be more expensive upfront. 

I recommend the best contractor in your area.  The one with the best reputation that has been in business a long time.  They’ll steer you towards the best equip. for your situation.

[bmich]

I am in NW Indiana. I also have AC. I purchased this today. https://www.supplyhouse.com/Qwik-Product...wikSwap-V3
https://www.supplyhouse.com/DiversiTech-...PM-115-VAC
https://www.supplyhouse.com/Titan-Pro-TO...r-440-370V

The motor I have is a horrible obsolete 2.3 ECM motor. The new question is will the motor I purchased work with or a replacement with my old motor. The label of the old motor is GE ECM Class B 1 ph 60HZ 1/2HP 120/240V Model 5SME39HL0252

I guess my main concern is the new motor says 115V not 120V. Does that even matter?

[fredhargis]

I guess my main concern is the new motor says 115V not 120V.  Does that even matter?

It doesn't matter, the correct voltage to quote is 120V, but in years past 115V was used, and prior to that 110V was used. You see the same thing on 240V, most people refer to it as 220V.

[bmich]

I use forums as I do therapists. Just need a place to jot down my thoughts.

[bmich]

I fixed the AC! I'm pumped! The parts I bought work the house is slowly cooling and now I can just keep putting in PSC motors. I HIGHLY recommend that Quick Swap v3. Amazing!

[aquaticjim]

Furnace went out today.  Motor current furnace is two stage but the blower motor went out, new motor is quoted 1800 from HVAC guy.  Says ECM motor is stupid expensive right now.  So, I need a few furnace, current one is 17 yrs old, maybe end of life?   How much money am I looking at for 1 vs 2 stage.  Is 1 stage worth it?  Or is it really expensive to run.  I am on Natural gas and current winter bills run me about 150.00 for gas a month.  What would a 1 stage run me on gas?  I have a bi-level brick 2200 sq ft house.  Is 1 stage worth it or give me the run down.  Then on to brands?  What does everyone recommend.  I have Armstrong now.  Thanks for the advice.

A few years ago, my parent's ECM motor died on their furnace.  Yes they are expensive, when you buy the motor as a service part from the OEM, and the $1800 quote was probably installed.  You will not get anyone to look at an appliance unless that person earns a lot for the job.  None of the furnace manufacturers own a motor manufacturing operation.  I looked at the motor specifications and chose a generic ECM motor.  Installed it myself and has been fine.  The total cost was around $600.

[bmich]

I'm pleased with my solution, Ill just tack it on to the appliances I have repaired so far.  Good job on your find for ECM motors, funny enough I found this seller that specializes in new but no warranty HVAC parts. After I fixed mine. https://www.hvacpartsshop.com/  Ill try them next time.  I originally was going to buy a refirb motor from https://unitedhvacmotors.com/ but got worried after reading some rather discouraging reviews on the BBB website.