One Stage vs. Two Stage AC Unit Comparison

Could you imagine trying to get through the summer without an AC? No one wants to experience something like that, so it helps to have an air conditioner that can keep your whole home feeling cool. Two types of ACs, one-stage and two-stage, are capable of doing that, but which one is better suited for your home? 

For almost two decades, we’ve helped homeowners all over Los Angeles and the surrounding areas by comparing air conditioning technologies so they can achieve consistent home cooling during the hottest weeks of the year. At Monkey Wrench, our technicians have received training on all kinds of ACs, so they can help address any questions you may have about single and second-stage air conditioners. 

Single-stage and second-stage air conditioners can keep your home cool, but we’ll uncover how these two types of ACs differ in the following categories. 

• Cost
• Energy Efficiency 
• Comfort

By the end of this article, you’ll have gathered all the helpful information to find the best AC unit for your home. 

Let’s dive in!

What’s the Difference Between Single-Stage and Second-Stage Air Conditioners?

The biggest difference between single stage and second stage air conditioners is how their compressors operate. 

Single-stage ACs, also known as one stage or single speed air conditioners, have a compressor that operates at total capacity. This means that anytime your single-stage AC unit is turned on, it works on full blast. 

On the other hand, second stage ACs, also known as second speed or dual stage air conditioners, have a compressor with two capacities. When your second stage AC turns on, you can set it to high or low capacity.

Besides their capacities, these two types of ACs can have different pricing.

Cost Differences Between One and Second Stage Air Conditioners?

A second-stage AC unit costs more upfront than one-stage air conditioners. Prices can vary depending on factors such as the size of a home, but single stage ACs can cost several hundred to thousands of dollars less than second stage air conditioners. 

Repairs and parts tend to be cheaper for single-stage air conditioners than two-stage. However, due to the quality of these parts, single-stage ACs tend to last shorter than most two-stage conditioners.

Regardless of which system you choose, plenty of heating and cooling companies offer financing to help you invest in an AC, whether it’s a single speed or second speed air conditioner. 

Another significant difference between the two ACs is their energy efficiency, which we will cover next. 

Energy Efficiency Between One and Second Stage Air Conditioners?

Second stage AC units are more energy efficient than single stage air conditioners. All cooling systems use SEER2 ratings to compare energy efficiency, and single stage has lower SEER2 ratings than second-stage ACs. The higher the rating, the more you can save on energy bills. 

Single stage air conditioning systems only operate on full blast, meaning that as it’s running throughout the day, it uses more energy each time it starts up. Thanks to their two-stage settings, dual stage ACs can run at lower capacity without consuming a lot of energy. 

Even if single-stage ACs cost less upfront, they can be more expensive to run over time. With two-stage AC energy savings, your home can stay cool without burning through your utility bills. Luckily, if you’re worried about spending too much on your utility bills during the summer, you can use these energy-saving tips.

Staying cool is what ACs are meant to do, so how do these two air conditioners compare in terms of comfort?

Differences in Comfort Between Single-Stage and Two Stage AC Units?

Two-stage air conditioners offer more comfort than single-stage air conditioners thanks to their quieter operation, better humidity control, and overall consistent cooling. The design of dual-stage AC units makes it easier to stabilize humidity and temperatures inside your home. 

Thanks to their two different cooling levels, dual-stage air conditioners keep your home cool during the hottest of days and, with their low capacity option, keep your home chill during mild weather conditions. Whether running at high or low, second stage AC units provide more consistent cooling throughout your home. The constant airflow helps remove moisture within your home’s environment, making it feel more cool. 

Because they operate at a high capacity, single-stage air conditioners can be noisy each time they start up. They also tend to be less effective at maintaining humidity levels and experience fluctuations in indoor temperatures.

Is a One Stage or Two Stage Air Conditioner Right for Me?

On a side-by-side comparison, two-stage ACs tend to be better than single-stage air conditioners in every category except initial costs. Still, investing a little more into a second stage AC can be more beneficial for you in the long run. Now that you have watched this side-by-side comparison, you can start to look for AC brands that offer single and double stage air conditioners.

Hundreds of thousands of air conditioners are running in homes all over Los Angeles and the surrounding area, and some are experiencing issues. Since 2007, we’ve helped repair these malfunctioning ACs and helped families find an upgrade or AC replacement that meets their home’s cooling needs. 

If you’re interested in a new cooling system and reside in Los Angeles and the surrounding counties, contact us using one of the buttons below. You can also book an appointment through our online heating and cooling scheduler. 

Variable-stage ACs are a step higher than second-stage and single-stage systems. Compare them to see if either is the right fit for your home.