South Texas residents looking to keep their homes comfortable and energy bills low have an exceptional option at their disposal: The two-stage cooling system. Many central air systems have only one level of operation, but two-stage air conditioners have a compressor that works at a high level during the hottest periods, then works at a reduced level during milder weather. The thermostat determines which setting to use based on the temperature inside the home. The lower setting, around 65-70 percent capacity, is typically sufficient to cool the average home most of the time. The lower setting also uses less energy, resulting in lower electric bills.
Important facts About two-stage cooling:
- Humidity – Two-stage systems do a better job of moisture control than single-stage air conditioners. They can remove about twice as much moisture as traditional central air systems, resulting in lower humidity and a more pleasant living environment during the warmest months. They can accomplish this because running at a slower speed, they tend to run more continuously, which enhances humidity control.
- Mold – Because of their ability to draw moisture from the air in your home, two-stage systems decrease the possibility that mold will form. With their more continuous operation, they also remove more pollutants from the air than single-stage systems.
- Even distribution – Two-stage air conditioners distribute cool air more continuously and evenly throughout your homes than single-stage systems. The steady stream of cool air provided by two-stage systems avoids having one room significantly warmer or cooler than another.
- Noise – Since two-stage cooling systems run at the quieter, lower setting much of the time, they produce less noise than air conditioners that run only at full capacity
Even with all of the advantages of two-stage cooling systems, they are not the best choice in every instance. Homes with elongated ductwork or living areas on the far extremities of the house might be difficult to cool properly with this technology. Before you decide on upgrading to a two-stage talk with one of our experts at Mathews CCAC to make sure a two-stage is right for your application.
For more information about cooling systems and other issues concerning home comfort, please contact us at Mathews CCAC Inc. We have been serving the Coastal Bend area since 1979.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about two-stage cooling systems and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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