IF YOU ARE IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM, YOU MAY HAVE ALREADY BEEN FACED WITH CHOOSING AMONG MANY DIFFERENT PRODUCTS. KENNEDY AIR CONDITIONING OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS BREAKS DOWN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SINGLE AND VARIABLE SPEED SYSTEMS AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOUR HOME.
Choosing the right HVAC system will ensure adequate and comfortable heating and cooling of your home while keeping your energy bill to a minimum. However, you may not realize how important it is important to know the difference between single-speed and variable speed HVAC systems. The biggest difference is the compressor: both systems employ different functions to operate.
With a single-speed unit , the compressor is either off completely or on, running at “full blast.” This is the most common design—the AC is either on or off, and the unit runs frequent, short cycles to cool the home. Single-speed units are the most affordable HVAC units because of their more simplistic operation.
Variable-speed units operate a little differently. The compressors in these units are able to operate at different speeds depending on your home’s cooling needs. Variable-speed units will automatically slow down when less cooling is needed. This allows more even cooling over a longer time and saves energy consumption (and your utility bill!), because the unit does not turn on and off frequently. During the warmer months, the compressor will kick in higher speeds as needed to maintain the desired temperature. Variable-speed units also have the added advantage of better filtration, as the unit has more “running” time to filter unwanted particles from the air and remove moisture and humidity from the air flowing through your home. Variable-speed units reach higher speeds gradually, avoiding the loud “kick-on” noise made by single-stage units when they start up.
There are different levels of variable-speed units. You may have heard of a two-stage air conditioner, which has two speeds: low and high. A four-stage unit will have two additional speeds between low and high. Generally, the more stages the unit has, the more expensive the unit will be.
With single-speed systems, you sacrifice efficiency for price . Variable-speed units are more expensive but provide more even heating and cooling and save energy consumption in the long run. When upgrading your home HVAC, consider these options to pick what’s best for your home and budget!
For more information on which system is right for your home, contact the professionals at Kennedy Air Conditioning! Family owned and operated, and proudly serving Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, Benton, Bryant, Maumelle, and surrounding areas in Central Arkansas!