When considering the best air conditioners for your home, energy efficiency and cooling capacity are crucial considerations, just like what a good SEER rating is for air conditioners. Often, homeowners are forced to buy a unit without adequate cooling power because of its good efficiency. This is why two-stage AC units are a worthwhile investment.
The two-stage air conditioner works similarly to a 1-stage unit but incorporates a compressor, which allows the AC unit to operate at two speeds. The low setting works at a slower speed and kicks in for temperature changes of less than 5 degrees, and the unit will employ the higher speed to deal with more dramatic temperature shifts. If you’d like to learn about options aside from one- and two-stage air conditioners, read our article explaining what is a package unit AC?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The two-stage compressor allows the unit to operate at two speeds, high and low, depending on the temperature shift needed.
- The main benefit of a two-stage unit is that it significantly decreases energy bills.
- Two-stage systems also increase indoor comfort through more seamless humidity and temperature control.
Defining a 2-Stage Air Conditioner
Single-stage ACs are the most common form of AC unit, meaning they operate on one power setting. So, when the AC is on, the single-stage air conditioners run at full power, and when they’re off, they’re completely off. This can cause energy costs to skyrocket on hot summer days when the single-stage unit is running around the clock and trying to keep up with rising temperatures. This differs a bit from a 2-stage unit. You can also check out our comparison of single and two-stage AC units if you would like to learn more about their differences.
Insider Tip
The best way to estimate energy savings on air conditioners is to compare the seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER rating).
Benefits of a Two-Stage Air Conditioner
Two-stage systems provide significant energy savings. The lower setting operates at around 40% less power than the high setting. As such, it’s a much more efficient option than a single-stage air conditioning unit. When compared to traditional systems, dual-stage systems are better equipped to handle larger temperature variations. In addition, two-stage systems work on the low stage nearly 80% of the time, resulting in hundreds in savings every year.
Beyond efficient operation, there are also comfort benefits. For example, the lower setting provides a more subtle cooling effect, and smoother temperature fluctuations reduce the likelihood of becoming chilled or reaching uncomfortable humidity levels. Such improvements are enabled by modern the process of including smart tech and additional technology, giving consumers enhanced comfort they may not have experienced before.
Although the two-stage unit drastically decreases energy consumption, single-stage system owners can learn how to make an air conditioner more energy efficient. Modifying the levels of operation and cooling process can significantly reduce energy consumption. Another such way to do this is by understanding what the dry setting on an air conditioner means and when to use it. Another great way to consider your ACs efficiency is to learn the differences between your air conditioner’s high cool vs low cool.
Warning
Because two-stage AC systems require a significant investment, it’s often unwise to purchase one if you don’t plan on living somewhere for only a short span.
STAT: Power settings vary by manufacturer, but the lower setting of two-stage systems typically operates at 60-80% of the total power of the high setting. (source)
