Single, Multi & Variable Speed: A Breakdown Of Operating Stages For Lowcountry Families
Published by Alex Hammond on
We’ve had a very, very hot summer this year – even by Charleston standards.
Our team has been extremely busy keeping Lowcountry families cool & comfortable, and with that comes some common questions we run into in the field.
Among those questions we sometimes get are about system operation – mainly the differences between them when replacing or installing their air conditioning or heat pump system.
Many Charleston area homeowners might not know the difference between the operation speeds – or that there are different options to choose from.
Different HVAC brands may offer different options on operational speeds, so to help you out, below is a very brief explanation of the different operating speeds you might want to understand about your HVAC system.
Single Stage Operation
As the name implies, single stage systems only have one operating speed.
Essentially this means that your system is either running at full speed – or it’s off.
“Full speed” essentially means that it’s running at 100% – meaning it’s consuming the most energy it possibly can during operation.
As you can imagine, these are typically not the most efficient systems as a result, though are generally more affordable.
Two Stage & Multi Stage Operation
Again, as the name implies multi-stage systems operate using multiple stages.
For two stage systems, the system can operate at 100% and the other at some lower percentage (High or Low), for 3 stage systems, there are 3 options (and so on).
These additional options allow your system to run a bit more efficiently depending on your comfort settings, as it can select from a few different options depending on the needs of your home.
Those additional options also mean that these systems can be a bit more efficient to operate, with a bit higher price tag than a single stage system.
Variable Speed Operation
The most modern operational speed, variable stage systems operate at speeds that are a bit more fluid, choosing from a wide range of settings to cool your home.
These systems can operate at very low speeds to maintain your desired humidity and temperature settings precisely throughout the day, staying away from the large energy draws that one and two stage systems can pull during operation.
Running at lower speeds means they can operate using less power over time, making them the most efficient of the different operating speeds available.
This additional efficiency means you might pay a bit more upfront, but over time that operating efficiency means your system will use less energy each month, ultimately making up for that upfront cost.
Let Your Local HVAC Company Be Your Guide When Selecting A New System
Feeling overwhelmed with system operations?
If you’re reading this, you’re likely a working family here in the Lowcounty, which means time is often something you don’t have a lot of.
Taking the time to understand the different system types might not be on your agenda, so as always you can defer to your local heating & air conditioning company.
On top of saving you your much needed time, they can also make recommendations on what’s currently working best for homeowners – and different homes – in your area.
Investing in the right system is vital for your family’s comfort – especially during the very hot summer we’re going through this year.
With a little knowledge and a few tips from your trusted, local HVAC contractor in the Charleston area, you can get the best system for your family this summer, and beyond in the Lowcountry.
