HVAC single-stage vs two-stage vs variable compressor. Heat pumps and Air Conditioners video

HVAC systems can be single-stage, multi-stage, or variable inverter-type compressor. I had a question last week asking if I would explain stage vs variable compressor systems, so I decided to record this video going over it.

Moral of the story is that inverter systems are more efficient than staged systems typically no matter the SEER or how many stages there are.

[MrCOh]

I just had a 4 ton Bosch 20 seer unit installed in my 1500 sq ft house. This house had nothing but window units for 35 years. The amount of moisture this system is pulling out is crazy! It feels amazing now.

[bradelliott]

A communicating inverter yes I agree it’s the best.

[ericadauley]

Hi Josh! Thank you for the information! So happy to see you ! I was there when you first started ! So happy to be back in Virginia! Bought a farm in Chase City Va, near Clarksville Va. I have 2 stage so I needed some information. Thank you I have been all over "You Tube University" then I ran into your video! Awesome! I am so happy to see an honest business out here..Not saying there aren't some others out there...but just saying I know you are an honest person in life, so I know that you're business a great business man.

[tylerjablonski]

I found your channel the other night and it has been very helpful for my family and I. Thank you

[scifiuniverses]

Man, you got me rethinking getting an inverter system. The bigger problem I have had is really high estimates on an inverter system between 25k and up to 32K. On two, 3-ton gas systems, and I and my wife bulked at that kind of price.

Most honest thing you said is it took you a long time to get to a point.

[CarreraTrackOntheFloor]

Inverter systems are more expensive to repair correct?

[kevinphillips]

It seems the choice is actually where the money is going to be going to. Either a more expensive product to produce a better result or a less expensive product but a higher energy bill.

[SweetyBrito]

What would be the backup for a dual stage? For single stage we could have electric heat strips for backup (or emergency), how does that work for dual?

[swellsh]

How is reliability affected by the different stage systems? I have a 23 year old single-stage Ruud package unit that every AC company has told me I need to replace just based on it's age, but I've only put about $2k in various repairs over the past 13 years and she works great! I get it services once per year. If I replaced it when the first person told me to 13 years ago, I would already be due for a new system. Is there anything on the market today like that? Single-stage, simple design, easy to repair, inexpensive parts, made to last?

[littleeddie]

I have the Daikin Inverter furnace, super quiet, holds the temperature perfectly steady even without running the fan all the time. Did have to have the first thermostat replaced as it was bad. My question today is, is there no money saving by turning the furnace down 3 degrees at bedtime, my dealer said I would not save and money/energy so I quit doing it.

[joecipriani]

Looking to add a Bosch 2.0 to my home in Montréal Canada where winters are real cold? Thoughts...

[xelaju]

I like all this talk you do. New sub here. I like learning al this.

[SCTROJAN]

My Carrier unit is 18 yrs old. Over the past 4 years, I have had to replace my capacitor once a year, and my fan motor 2 times within 5 years, and my blower motor 3 years ago.

Based on all of the above, I’m now doing research to possibly buy a new complete unit. I live in Houston Texas, where it is very hot and humid through the majority of the year. My house is approximately 1900 sq. Ft.

When considering parts replacement availability and cost, what are your thoughts on the following brands: Carrier/Bryant vs Lennox or Ruud?

Would you recommend a single stage or two stage for my 1 story home?

[balint]

IMO the best choice is still a properly sized 2 stage system with good duct work and accurate load calculations. Reason being, energy consumption and cooling output is not linear. That is, at 40% capacity your energy consumption is not 40% but closer to 50%. A typical 2 stage system with a 70% vs 100% staging the energy consumption comes down to around 55% vs 100%. This is actually the reason most 2 stage systems have their stages set to 2/3rd and full output as the lower the output the worse the efficiency gets and the sweet spot is around 2/3 output. For a typical inverter system on it's minimum 33-40% load will consume around 45-50% of energy compared to maximum output. The energy savings compared to a 2 stage system is marginal given the 2 stage system is designed to run in stage 1 most of the time.

[ben]

Can Var. Air handler will ramping with single stage heat pump?

[invinciblesummer]

He motors on about nonsense. He finally gets to the point at 1:50. Skip the rest.

[yaremidiaz]

I'm replacing my 2013 Rheem 3-ton unit SEER 13 heat pump with a more efficient one. Please, in your opinion, which quotes received makes the most sense (they are all from experienced companies) since I'm not sure about the quality of the product or the fairness of the offers (all include the thermostat of my preference, two surge protectors, and UV light:
Gree 4 tons split system Flexx SEER 18: $10k with 10 yrs parts & 1 yr labor warranty or $11k with 10 yrs both parts & labor + optional $0.75 sq ft of blown-in insulation R30 for the attic $1, 399.50.
Bosch 2.0 4 tons BOVA SEER 20: $10, 540 with 10 yrs both parts and labor warranty.
York 3 Ton 17 Seer York LX Series Heat Pump Split System: $9, 384 with 10 yrs parts & 5 yrs labor plus $300 rebate.
Bryan 3 tons 226ANA paired with FV4CNF005L00 SEER 16: $10, 180 with 1 yrs labor & 10 yrs parts and compressor - includes Aprilaire 2210 whole house annual air filter.

[Julian_C]

I have a question, do two-stage air conditioners use an ordinary thermostat, or need a special type of thermostat to operate?

[bradelliott]

Inverter simply explained is they can control speed indefinitely via communication wire dc voltage