Should I Buy a Single Stage, Two Stage, or Variable Speed Air Conditioner

A Single Stage, Two Stage, or Variable Speed Air Conditioner are the three types of air conditioner systems out there right now. This video quickly gives you an explanation of the three types of air conditioner technology.

No longer do you have to be stuck with a single stage air conditioner that just turns on and off at 100% capacity every time it turns on. A two stage air conditoner will run at two speeds. A lower speed around 70% capacity and full 100% speed.

I'm not only going to discuss the technology, but also the repairs and availability of the parts that are needed for a single stage, two stage and variable speed air conditioner.

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[danieltaylor]

My single stage has worked well for 20 years. No need for more technology to break down and more expense. I'll be replacing it with a single stage when the time comes.

[raykrva]

I live in Minnesota and it gets cold and also very hot and humid. Had my 31 year old Rheem 1 stage system replaced with a High Efficiency Variable Speed Bryant system in November 2019. Yes it was expensive, 3k more then the single stage 80% eff furnace and AC. However, my gas and electricity costs went down 40-50% a month. Xcel said I now have one of the most efficient houses in my neighborhood based on square footage. I never know the system is running inside the house it's so quiet and have to read the thermostat to know if it's heating, cooling, or dehumidifying.

[anthonyz]

Very well explained and to the point without a lot of fluff.

[jazzfan]

This is a very useful explanation. I moved into a new house recently and the HVAC system is 20 years old so I am in the middle of figuring out what to replace it with. Thanks very much.

[JohnThomas-lqqp]

A few years ago a friend got talked into purchasing two fancy heat pump units for his large house. First year he had the service company come out twice for free warranty calls. Next three years he paid a lot of money for at least 4 service calls. Finally took my advice and ran heat on emergency setting using cheap natural gas. His wife is a CPA and went over the winter heating bills including over $600 on service calls. Came out a lot cheaper just using natural gas. He had a very good insulated house with 2 by 6" insulated walls, R50 insulation or higher in attic and all low E quality windows.

[AJ-bins]

In the south where humidity is an issue variable units can save cost if it means you can skip a dehumidifier.

The other big piece of the equation that gets glanced over is the variable speed units are the top of the line systems. Usually this means they come with much superior warranties. In turn, stands to reason they are better made.

[old-greg]

We had a train variable, and it was awesome. Wish I still had it

[Garth]

Would be interesting to know the reliability of 2 stage and variable systems. Would also be good to know how expensive those special sensors, circuit boards and variable speed blower motors are too. There is a huge cost difference from a single stage system so, another $3, 000 to $5, 000 or up to $8, 000 more for those 2 stage and variable has to carry some value or they are simply way over priced for the benefits over a single stage. Those are the thing folks want to know, more benefits? More expensive to fix? Need repairs every year? Part...2 to 3 weeks wait for a proprietary and likely expensive part that is going to be priced at retail. Spending more should include more benefits and way less breakdowns and down times. I don't think they are there yet.

[Spinal]

I spoke with a tech from Trane who was really informative, the whole idea of stages is to maintain humidity and temperature. Seer rating is kind of moot because if the ac unit is running constantly, it had to be efficient.

If you get a 5 ton ac unit but only need 2 or 3 ton, the temp will go down but the air will still be humid and it shuts off. Something like a variable speed system will work longer at a reduced capacity to pull the humidity out of the air in the home.

Depending on the climate you live in having a 26 SEER rated ac unit would take decades to recoup the extra money if you only use it a few months out of the year.

[boashna]

WOW So much info in such a short time.. Bravo

[bman]

I like the 2 stage but is it worth an additional $7k over a single stage??? I’m in California so humidity is not a factor..

[richardl]

Great video. I can't tell you how many videos I've sifted through to find one that doesn't push this or that brand, or mini splits vs central AC or list the six best six brands that are great? C'mon, who believes that. This video perfectly explains the different technologies, why one may perform better than the other but the differences are small or why this type is easier to fix, etc. I'm going to have mine replaced with a quality single stage unit installed by what will hopefully be a reputable company. Again, great video.

[ckpeltier]

Looking at the performance data on the Copelands two stage compressor I see the first stage may be at 67% capacity but the efficiency is much lower on stage one then stage 2. as always it's always a trade off.

[brandoncintron]

Hey sir. Caught on the fence and looking for a little advice. I’m changing out my home AC system and it’s going to be a 2 ton unit. I got quoted for a trane system that has a air handler that is veritable speed BUT the heat pump is a single stage unit. My question is, is that a bad move to make? I feel like the compressor is always gonna be on and use a ton of energy. Am I correct? Should I pull the plug in the deal and go with a single stage unit? They said the air handlers were the same price for variable or single, however the variable speed compressor was wayyy more money, that’s why I got the quote for a single stage. Thank you !

[cllistings]

Good job although I would argue that Seers matter of you trying to capture a Federal Energy Tax Credit. 16 will qualify. 14 won’t.

[DonTgurdy]

Single stage all the way. And try to not get a microchanel coil. 2 stage and variable speed systems will save you a little bit on your electric bill, but when it breaks you will pay big time, and I assure you, they will break. Pay attention to the warranty. Some manufacturers have parts warranty and some have parts and labor. They do not build ACs like they used to. They break alot more and will need to be repaired.

[Garth]

Tell us about natural; gas condensing units...why aren't they offered as much?

[Professor]

Can you use a new variable system for upstairs if your downstairs is a single stage?

[Sky]

We just want one that runs without constant costly repairs, is that too much to ask for?

[jie]

Single stage is simple and just run less mechanical parts. Better go with single stage.