[Shop-talk] Multi zone heating....? (and variable speed fan motors)

[Trevor Boicey]

Randall wrote:
>>   Does anybody know how these work? The envirazone surely 
>> only has low voltage control, can I get a generic variable 
>> speed motor, bolt it where mine is, and somehow wire that up?
> 
> To do as I've suggested, you'd need to wire some 24v relays into the motor's
> speed control.  Shouldn't be too hard for a conventional multi-speed motor;
> but I'm not sure how to do it for a variable speed.

   Wait, I think I just learned enough to realize that my original 
question was confused.

   I think I was thinking "multi speed" rather than variable speed. I 
didn't realize there was more than one option, I certainly don't need 
infinitely variable speeds.

   Really what I'd probably want is just, instead of the motor turning 
off completely, to just drop down to a low enough speed where it is 
mostly quiet and relatively cheap on electricity. Just enough to keep 
the air circulating so that the house doesn't have as many cold spots.

   Would this be something I could do just wiring up the motor? Could it 
be as simple as just permanently bridging the low speed input on, and 
allowing the thermostat to toggle the high speed as needed?