Need for Speed

Have you ever wondered what the difference was between single stage compressors and variable speed compressors? Where do two stage compressors fit in? It can all be very overwhelming, but with the right amount of knowledge you’ll be able to make the right decision when it comes to purchasing a new high-efficiency air conditioning system for your home. Let’s have a look at the compressor speeds available on the market today:

Single Stage

Single stage compressors were the AC standard for decades and continue to represent the majority of air conditioning systems. A single stage compressor turns on when the indoor temperatures exceed the temperature setting on your thermostat. These compressors always operate at 100% capacity, turning themselves on and off continuously throughout the day.

Variable Speed

Variable speed compressors work differently in that in order to maintain an indoor temperature set on your thermostat, they operate continuously at less than 100 percent capacity – often as low as 25 to 30 percent. As a result, their cycles last longer than those of a single stage compressor, sometimes even running for all or most of the day. These systems are also ideal for humidity control, as they run for a long enough time in order to draw sufficient moisture from the air inside your home and remove it.

Two Stage

The two stage compressor falls in between the single stage and variable speed compressors, and offers two levels of cooling power: high and low. It runs at full capacity when it’s needed and lower when it isn’t so it doesn’t run as continuously as variable speed compressors, but do cycle on and off less frequently than single stage systems.

In short…

Single stage compressors fill your home with cold air and shut off completely when the desired temperature is reached, using more energy and lacking the ability to dehumidify indoor air as well as variable speed compressors. Variable speed compressors, however, blow a steady stream of cold air into your home to maintain the desired temperature, rarely turning off completely.

Luckily, Fsi Oil and Propane works with top manufacturers that offer high-efficiency air conditioning systems boasting variable and two stage compressor speeds and more to keep your home cool without forcing you to break the bank. Contact us today to find the best AC system for you!