What is the Difference between a Variable-Speed & a Two-Stage Compressor?

As a homeowner, you may be asking yourself how you can improve your home’s heating and cooling systems so they run optimally and last for as long as possible. One great option comes from new technology, which may help you save on HVAC system repair and maintenance costs.

To find out if this option could work for your systems, you’ll need to know:

1. How a two-stage compressor and a variable-speed compressor work
2. The pros and cons of each system so you make an informed buying decision

How Two-Stage Compressors Work: Pros & Cons

A two-stage compressor is a single unit that houses two compressors offering two different speeds or stages of air conditioning:

1. High speed for any type of severe weather
2. Low speed for calmer weather and more moderate temperatures

A major benefit of two-stage compressors is that they have the versatility to handle mild to extreme weather. Some other pros associated with two-stage compressor include that they:

• Provide greater comfort and efficiency, when compared to a single-stage compressor
• Are energy efficient because they can handle almost any temperature with the low speed, meaning they turn on and off less often
• Removes moisture from the air, which is perfect for the more humid regions

On the downside, a con associated with two-stage compressors is that they can be expensive to repair or replace if they break down and are no longer under warranty.

How Variable-Speed Compressors Work: Pros & Cons

A variable-speed compressor, which may also be called an inverter compressor or an inverter-driven compressor, houses a driven compressor that only pumps out what you need. It does this by ramping up or down in small increments to achieve the desired temperature.

Some major pros of variable-speed compressors include that they:

• Are extremely energy efficient because they are only producing what you need and they don’t frequently cycle on and off
• Offer precise temperature and humidity control without the need to keep adjusting settings
• Are highly effective at automatically adjusting to more extreme temperature fluctuations

The primary con of variable-speed compressors is that the investment may not always be worth it in areas that don’t experience the extreme temperature spikes.

Need more answers? Ready to schedule any type of HVAC service?

Simply contact Parkers Heating & Cooling online or call 615-355-9137!