The idea of two-stage cooling may sound alien if you’re newly in the market for an air conditioner, but it’s pretty simple, and many people love the idea. When someone is talking about two-stage cooling, they’re actually talking about the kind of compressor in the air conditioner. Demand for two-stage cooling is steadily rising due to its improved energy efficiency over single-stage units.
If you are interested in switching over to a two-stage unit, one thing you should know is that they cost more than single-stage air conditioners. However, they also run longer and at a lower speed, rather than turning off and on constantly, which can reduce your monthly utility bill.
Find out if an upgrade is right for you by giving our technicians at Ambient Edge a call.
Understanding Single-Stage Cooling
Single-stage cooling is the kind of air conditioning unit that most people have in their homes, and it remains the most common unit we here at Ambient Edge service for our customers. Single-stage units kick on when your home’s indoor temperature is higher than the temperature you set on your unit.
For instance, if you set the air conditioner’s thermostat to 77 degrees, and the temperature in your home increases to 78 degrees, the air conditioner will come on. Once the temperature in the home is 77 degrees, the air conditioner will turn off again and so on throughout the day.
Single-stage units operate at full capacity all the time, so they end up using more energy than two-stage units do because they are constantly turning off and on again. Not only is this worse for the environment, but it also increases your monthly electric bill during the summer months.
Understanding Two-Stage Cooling
A two-stage compressor allows you to operate your air conditioner differently, depending on your cooling needs. You can run the air conditioner on full capacity for those dog days of summer, or you can opt for part capacity on milder days where you just want to take the extra warmth out of the air.
Gone are the days of having “too much” air conditioning when everyone in the room is freezing. Now you can buy a unit that gives you that summer breeze you yearn for, rather than arctic temperatures all the time.
Benefits of Two-Stage Cooling
There are several benefits of two-stage cooling. Perhaps one of the most important benefits is the energy-saving technique mentioned above. Not only is this better for the environment, but it’s better for you too: the less energy you use, the less you pay for in your utility bill every month.
Two-stage cooling also allows you to more efficiently remove moisture from inside your home through a process called “dehumidification.” This is because the unit runs longer and more consistently, rather than constantly turning on and off like your average single-stage air conditioner.
The longer the heat pump runs, the more humidity it can remove from your home. And, if there is less moisture in the air, you can even raise the temperature on your thermostat and still feel comfortable in your home. Plus, with less moisture in your home, you no longer have to worry about increases in mold, mildew, or bugs who like moisture, like silverfish, cockroaches, and centipedes.
When to Upgrade
If you notice your AC not cooling one room in your house, you may be considering an AC upgrade. Unfortunately, as beneficial as they may be, two-stage cooling machines aren’t for everyone yet due to their higher price tag. However, if you need to replace your current unit anyway, then it may be a good idea to spend the few extra dollars for the upgrade.
Some things you can do in the meantime to enjoy the benefits of two-stage cooling without investing a solid chunk of money in it yet include:
- Installing dehumidification equipment in your current unit
- Replacing your old single-stage air conditioner with a new-and-improved single-stage air conditioner
The humidity level in your home is also a major deciding factor. For instance, if your humidity level is consistently below 55 percent, and no one in your home suffers due to poor indoor air quality, then you may be just fine without ever purchasing a two-stage cooling unit.
Looking to Upgrade Your Air Conditioning Unit to a Two-Stage Unit? Call Ambient Edge!
At Ambient Edge, we understand that two-stage cooling units aren’t for everyone. You may simply not need one, or it may be out of your price range. However, that doesn’t mean you need to continue to suffer from your subpar air conditioning unit.
We care about our customers. When you’re happy and comfortable, we’re happy and comfortable. That’s why we want to work with you to find the perfect air conditioner for your home and budget. We even come to your home and take measurements to ensure the air conditioner you choose is not too big or too small for the job. And, if you’re unhappy with the unit for any reason, we offer a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee on all our parts and labor.
So. give us a call and start enjoying upgraded air quality today!