Two Stage Air Conditioning
All air conditioners are expensive to operate. Fortunately, some of the newer models use up to a third less energy than older models. There are several technological advancements responsible for these efficiency improvements – and two of the most important ones are the development of the two stage compressor and multi-speed condenser fan.
During the hottest weather, you may need the full capacity of your air conditioner to keep your home comfortable. During this full-time operation, your air conditioner runs at its maximum efficiency. But during moderate weather your air conditioner will cycle on and off to keep from overcooling your home. This stop-and-go operation is inherently inefficient, since a lot of energy is wasted during the start-up and shut-down part of each cycle.
Air conditioning units with a two stage compressor and a multi-speed outdoor condenser fan operate at lower capacity during moderate weather. This results in longer and more efficient cooling cycles. It also allows your system to remove more humidity from the air. When the weather is truly hot, they step up to full speed operation to assure your comfort.
Two stage compressors are more efficient than older one stage units and they work in different ways:
- Some two stage systems have two small compressors side by side. The first compressor operates alone during moderate weather. The second compressor kicks in only when needed during hot weather.
- Some two piston compressors run in one-piston mode during moderate weather and two-piston mode during hot weather.
- Multi-speed compressors actually turn at two different speeds to match the cooling load.
You can’t avoid the heat of summer, but with a two stage air conditioner you can reduce the cost of cooling your home. You can learn more about air conditioners at the ENERGY STAR™ website.
Source: John Krigger, Saturn Resource Management.
For more information on air conditioning, contact Swisher Electric at 806.995.3567.