Which HVAC Stage System Is Right For You?
Did you know that the type of Heating and Cooling stage system you have can drastically affect your home’s comfort and your monthly utility bills? Here at Air Experts, we have Comfort Advisors that come out, free of charge, to your home to provide a no-charge estimate on a new HVAC system. Their knowledge of HVAC design helps them recommend a system and layout that will work best for your home. Before you replace your HVAC system, it’s important to decide which stage type is right for you.
Single Stage System
A single stage system is the most common type of HVAC system. It only has two settings – on and off. It typically runs at full speed to cool down the space until it reaches its desired temperature then it turns off. This type of on and off operating can be less energy efficient, in the same way that city miles use up more gas than highway miles in your car. Single stage systems work well for one-story air-conditioned spaces. While 1-stage systems aren’t as costly as the other options up front, those high energy bills can make heating and cooling more expensive in the long run.
2 Stage System
A 2-stage system has three settings – low, high and off. This system is more energy efficient and is great at fighting humidity. While the single stage system runs at 100% when running, a 2-stage system usually runs 70%. Since the air conditioner stays on longer, it has more time to dehumidify and circulate air, which can help get rid of hot and cold spots throughout the home.
Variable Speed System
Last and not least, is a variable speed system, which has hundreds of stages. Usually it is on about 25%, but it will increase the power output whenever it needs to work harder. Variable speed systems are great for big spaces that need a lot of air circulation. Unlike your other stage options, a variable speed system provides dehumidification, air circulation and air filtration ALL the time. Although this system will cost more up-front, it will offer the greatest savings on your monthly utility bills since it hardly ever starts and stops.
Now that you know your options, you can discuss with your Comfort Advisor which kind of stage system will suit you and your needs best.
With your budget in mind, consider Air Experts exclusive Ease Comfort® which makes installing a new HVAC unit even easier with no money down and low monthly payments instead of a large upfront cost. In addition to a professionally installed energy-efficient system, EASE also includes a programmable Wi-Fi thermostat and whole home filtration system. With EASE, your routine maintenance, replacement filters, and lifetime parts and labor warranty are all included.
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