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Finding an air conditioner upgrade or replacement can be a little tricky when you run into the different types of operating functionality of ACs. The search can be tiring, especially as summer temperatures heat up. Luckily, there are key ways of understanding the differences between single stage, two stage, and variable speed ACs.
At Monkey Wrench, we’ve partnered with some of the top air conditioning brands in the industry, such as Lennox and Goodman, to learn more about the different types of AC technology. Since 2007, we’ve serviced thousands of AC units and gathered experience of how each system works and differs from one another to better serve homeowners all over Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
Single-speed, two-speed, and variable-speed air conditioners can cool your home, but they have some differences. To explain these differences further, we’ll compare them using the following factors.
- Cost
- Energy Efficiency
- Comfort
- Maintenance
In this article, we’ll dive into this comparison between single stage, two stage, and variable speed AC units, so you can narrow your search to the right system capable of meeting your cooling needs.
Let’s begin!
What’s the Difference Between Single Stage, Two Stage, and Variable Speed Air Conditioners?
The main difference between single stage ACs, two stage ACs, and variable speed ACs lies within their compressors.
Single stage air conditioners, also known as one stage or single speed ACs, have a single speed compressor that only operates at full capacity. These systems operate at 100% capacity whenever they’re running.
Two stage air conditioners, also known as dual stage or dual speed AC units, have a compressor that operates at either a high or low capacity.
Finally, variable-speed or variable-stage air conditioners have limitless compressor capacity. Variable-speed AC motors can run at different capacities to better maintain a set cooling temperature.
The compressor capacity of these AC units plays an important role in the rest of their differences, including pricing.
Cost Differences Between One Stage, Two Stage, and Variable Speed Air Conditioners
In terms of cost, these ACs are ranked from expensive to least expensive.
- Variable speed air conditioners: These ACs tend to be priced higher than the other two options. An average new variable speed AC unit installation can end up costing between $15,000 to over $25,000.
- 2 stage air conditioners: These cooling systems are in the median price range of all three options. A new two-stage AC unit costs over $10,000.
- Single stage air conditioners: Thanks to their basic technology, single stage AC units cost less out of all three options. A new single stage system can cost under $10,000.
It’s not just their upfront costs that are different; these AC systems have different operating costs. Variable speed ACs are regarded as the cooling system with the most potential savings when it comes to energy consumption. Two stage ACs cost less to operate than single stage, which can be a little pricey when it comes to operational costs.
Other factors besides the type of compressor can determine the final cost of an air conditioner.
All of the pricing associated with these systems is directly related to their energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency Between One Stage, Two Stage, and Variable Speed Air Conditioners
Out of all three variable speed AC units tend to have the highest energy efficiency, than two stage and one stage air conditioners. However, two stage ACs are more energy efficient than single stage systems.
Regardless of their internal technology, all AC systems are ranked and compared using the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2) ratings. Variable speed ACs and some two stage ACs have high SEER2 ratings, whereas single stage have the minimum SEER2 ratings.
Still, any new AC that replaces your 20-year-old air conditioner can be seen as an upgrade, thanks to modern technology that makes these systems more energy efficient than they were 25 years ago.
Another factor that homeowners look at when shopping for a new AC is comfort.
Differences in Comfort Between Single-Stage, Two Stage, and Variable Speed AC Units
All three of these AC systems can cool your home, but their comfort levels differ.
Variable speed AC units offer the best comfort in terms of consistent indoor air quality, temperature control, humidity, and noise levels thanks to its variable speed AC motor.
On the other hand, two speed air conditioning systems offer better comfort than single speed because their design allows them to easily stabilize indoor temperatures and humidity levels.
Both two speed and single speed ACs make some noise at start up and when they’re running. Single speed ACs tend to sound the loudest of the three because they’re running at full capacity whenever they’re on.
Despite their comfort differences, all three systems share similar maintenance requirements.
Maintenance Needs for Single Stage, Two Stage, and Variable Stage AC Units
Single stage, two stage, and variable stage air conditioners all have similar maintenance needs. Air filter replacements, refrigerant level checks, and electrical connection inspections are some of the common services included in professional air conditioner maintenance.
Preventative care is essential and can help these systems run for over 10 years. Professional AC maintenance and tune-ups should be scheduled before the start of the hot seasons, usually around springtime.
Which Type of Air Conditioner Is Right for Me?
Cooling systems come in different shapes and sizes. One stage, two stage, variable speed stage ACs are usually the three different types of air conditioning systems you can choose from. Now that you’re familiar with those differences, you can start to determine which one of these systems is right for you!
Whether it’s a single stage or variable stage ac, our technicians at Monkey Wrench have installed all kinds of cooling systems. For almost two decades, we’ve serviced ACs all over Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. By working with the top brands, our technicians received specialized training to better understand and service all cooling systems.
After exploring the different kinds of air conditioners, you’ll need to understand some of the possible issues you may encounter. Check out this article, which looks at the common problems for central AC systems and their solutions.
