If you’re looking for a new air conditioning system for your home, consider checking out a variable-speed air conditioner. In today’s post, local HVAC company Allison Air Conditioning discusses how it works, as well as its benefits over other systems.
How Do Variable-Speed Air Conditioners Work?
To understand how variable-speed or modulating air conditioners work, let’s first take a look at how a “standard” single-stage air conditioner works. A single-stage air conditioner simply blows cold air into the room and stops when the room has reached the desired temperature. It always operates at 100%. It’s either on or off–there’s no in-between.
Variable-speed air conditioners, on the other hand, steadily blow cold air into the room and rarely turn themselves off. They can operate as low as 25% to 30% capacity, and only raise their output when the room temperature drastically rises.
Reasons to Choose Variable-Speed Air Conditioners
Variable-speed air conditioners are suitable for whole-home cooling for several reasons:
Efficient dehumidification — Since it has a longer operating time, a variable-speed air conditioner dehumidifies the air more efficiently. For homes with average moisture levels, it may eliminate the need to purchase a separate dehumidifier.
Consistent cooling — If all the rooms in the house have the same cooling requirements, then a variable-speed air conditioner may be better. Your air conditioning service contractor may recommend a mini-split system if parts of the house have dramatically different cooling needs.
Energy savings — As described above, a variable-speed air conditioner operates at a fraction of its full capacity, which can help you save on energy costs. It’s also less vulnerable to damage caused by wear and tear.
Is a Variable-Speed Air Conditioner Right for You?
It’s important to note that a variable-speed air conditioner isn’t a “Swiss Army knife” solution for cooling needs. One of the advantages of single- or dual-stage air conditioners is that they generally cost less and have simpler maintenance requirements. Another is that they’re perfectly suitable for individual rooms, whereas variable-speed air conditioners work best as whole-home systems. If you’re unsure which system works best with your home, consult with an HVAC technician.
Call Allison for Your Air Conditioning Needs
Allison Air Conditioning is your leading provider of air conditioning and heating repair services. Give us a call at (951) 402-1281. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.