Key Takeaways
- Single-stage air conditioners offer the lowest upfront cost but lack cooling control and energy efficiency.
- Variable-speed AC is the most expensive upfront, but it offers superior temperature control and consumes significantly less energy.
- Two-stage AC is a good compromise between upfront cost and energy efficiency for many homeowners.
- Choosing the right AC comes down to the size and layout of your home, your budget and energy usage needs, and your local climate.
Homeowners have plenty of options when they’re choosing a new air conditioner. One of the most important decisions is weighing the benefits of single vs. two-stage vs. variable-speed AC. Each of these systems has unique pros, cons, and use cases to consider. In this guide, we break down each of these air conditioner types, explain why you might choose one over the other, and offer first steps to get these systems installed in your home.
Why Trust Us To Help You Choose?
For four generations, Jay’s has served the cooling needs of our Mt. Airy community. With more than 2,000 five-star reviews from happy homeowners in our neighborhood, it’s clear to see that we’ve earned our reputation as experts in all things HVAC. We work on projects of all kinds, which means we understand that a single-stage AC may be the better option for one homeowner, while another can’t go without a variable-speed unit.
What Are the Differences Between Single, Two-Stage, and Variable-Speed AC Systems?
Let’s break down single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed air conditioners and examine which one might best suit your needs.
Single-stage AC systems
A single-stage AC is the simplest kind of air conditioner available. As the name suggests, these air conditioners run on just a single setting: ‘On.’ This means that they can be turned on or off, with no adjustments for lower or higher operating speeds. For this reason, single-stage systems tend to have the lowest upfront costs, but they also offer limited flexibility and can sometimes result in higher energy bills than other systems.
Two-stage AC systems
As you might have guessed, the main difference when comparing a single-stage vs. two-stage air conditioner is that two-stage systems offer a second setting. In other words, two-stage ACs can run at ‘high’ or ‘low,’ which makes a big difference when it comes to beating the oppressive North Carolina heat in summertime. Because of this flexibility, two-stage air conditioners also make it easier to save money on energy bills by offering a lower-speed setting.
Variable-speed AC systems
A variable-speed air conditioner is the most complex and controllable model of the three, offering a variable speed setting that you can adjust based on your cooling needs. When you compare a single-stage versus a variable AC, the difference is clear. A variable-speed AC consumes as much as 25% less energy than a single-speed unit, all while delivering the same or better cooling power. The results are similar when comparing a two-stage versus variable-speed air conditioner, offering enhanced cooling control and greater energy efficiency.
How Do You Choose the Right AC System for Your Home?
Now that we understand these different systems, how do you know which one is right for you? Let’s break it down.
Consider home size and layout
One of the biggest considerations to make when choosing an AC is the size and layout of your home. Naturally, larger homes are more difficult to keep cool, which is why many people in large spaces opt for variable-speed systems. Because these units excel at maintaining thermostat temperatures for extended periods, they’re the obvious choice for keeping a large space cool.
If you live in a smaller space or your home is divided into smaller rooms, a double- or even single-stage AC may be sufficient, providing enough cooling power to stay comfortable without the high upfront costs associated with upgrading to a variable-speed AC.
Think about budget and energy goals
Naturally, cost is an important factor when choosing an air conditioner. You’ll need to consider not only the upfront costs but also the ongoing energy costs of any given system. While a variable-speed AC costs significantly more than a single-stage unit, it has the advantage of being far more energy-efficient, offsetting the initial price over the years of use. For homeowners seeking to balance upfront and ongoing costs, a two-stage AC system might be the ideal option.
Factor in Mt. Airy’s climate
Summers in Mt. Airy are warm and humid and sometimes stretch all the way to October. Humidity can make even mild heat feel much warmer, which is why we often recommend residents consider hiring a professional near you to install a two-stage AC. By having the option to run your AC at a lower speed, you can get better control over your home temperature, helping you find the sweet spot between freezing conditioned air and oppressive humidity.
Which AC System Is the Most Energy Efficient?
If efficiency is your top concern, you can’t beat a variable-speed AC. While upfront costs are significantly higher with these units, they are offset by the option to run at much lower speeds than single- or two-stage units, which helps keep energy costs down.
Is a Two-Stage or Variable-Speed AC Worth the Upgrade?
If you’re still using a single-stage air conditioner, it’s absolutely worth it to upgrade to a more flexible unit. While variable-speed systems have the best efficiency and temperature control, even a two-stage AC can make all the difference in keeping your home comfortable in the summer months.
Can I Upgrade My Current HVAC to a Two-Stage or Variable-Speed System?
You can definitely upgrade an existing HVAC system to a two-stage or variable-speed system, provided there is sufficient space for the new unit. Bear in mind that you may need to replace your thermostat or make adjustments to HVAC ducts to accommodate your new air conditioner.
Service Area
Jay’s Heating, Air & Plumbing proudly serves the following Mt. Airy, NC, ZIP codes:
- 27030
- 27053
And these nearby communities:
- Dobson
- Pilot Mountain
- Cana
- Toast
- White Plains
Why Mt. Airy Homeowners Choose Jay’s
Jay’s is proud to have four generations of experience serving Mt. Airy and the surrounding areas. With expert knowledge, an outstanding team of HVAC technicians, and a real commitment to your comfort and satisfaction, we’re the top choice for Mt. Airy AC installation, replacement, repairs, maintenance, and more. If you have more questions about upgrading your air conditioner or you’re ready to start the process today, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a variable-speed AC help reduce my energy bills?
Yes, when used correctly, a variable-speed AC can significantly lower your energy consumption.
Does a two-stage AC improve home comfort and humidity control?
Two-stage air conditioners are an excellent way to enhance home comfort and maintain indoor humidity levels, particularly when compared to single-stage ACs.
Is single-stage AC the cheapest option to buy and install?
Yes, single-stage air conditioners are the most inexpensive ACs to purchase and install, but they tend to cost the most in energy usage.
What are the main downsides of a variable-speed AC system?
The main disadvantages of variable-speed AC systems are the higher purchase and installation costs and potential issues with condensation if the ductwork isn’t properly insulated.
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