Your AC system is dependent upon a compressor to create cool air. Located inside the condenser unit, the compressor is a device that compresses the refrigerant.
Refrigerant will pick up heat from the inside of your home, after which it will flow to the compressor. After being compressed, the refrigerant will release its heat outside of your home at the condenser coil, followed by starting the cycle all over again.
While all compressors are designed to compress refrigerants, they are available in different types, including single-stage and variable-stage.
Whether you’re replacing your entire AC system or just the compressor, you should familiarize yourself with the differences between single-stage and variable-stage compressors.
What Is a Single-Stage Compressor?
A single-stage compressor is a conventional AC system compressor that’s characterized by a single speed. It doesn’t operate at different speeds. Rather, it operates at a single speed.
A single-stage compressor will turn on automatically when the temperature inside of your home falls below the thermostat setting. And it will turn off automatically when the temperature inside of your home reaches the thermostat setting.
What Is a Variable-Stage Compressor?
A variable-stage compressor is an alternative AC system compressor that, as you may have guessed, is characterized by multiple speeds. More specifically, the speed at which it operates changes automatically.
Variable-stage compressors don’t operate at full speed all the time. Depending on your home’s cooling needs, a variable-stage compressor may operate anywhere from 25% to 100% speed.
The Differences Between Single-Stage Compressors and Variable-Stage Compressors
Variable-stage compressors are more efficient than single-stage compressors.
When running your AC system, the compressor will consume energy. In fact, it consumes more energy than the blower. Nonetheless, variable-stage compressors are more efficient because they typically don’t operate at full speed.
If your AC system suffers from short cycling, a variable-stage compressor might be the answer.
Short cycling is more common with single-stage compressors than with variable-stage compressors. With a single-stage compressor, it may cool your home too fast, thus causing short cycling.
Variable-speed compressors run for a longer length of time than single-stage compressors. As a result, they are better protected from premature failure.
Single-stage compressors will cycle on and off many times because they operate at full speed. Each of these cycles increases wear and tear. Variable-speed compressors don’t cycle on and off as frequently as single-stage compressors, so they are less likely to fail.
If you are experiencing a problem with your air conditioning or heating call us at 512-336-1431 to schedule an appointment. We’ll be glad to come out and take a look at the issue.
1431-183 A/C & Heating proudly serves Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Leander, Liberty Hill, and North Austin.
