Spring has sprung and summer is on its way in Minneapolis. As the weather starts to become very warm, you might need to start your air conditioner soon. The real question is whether or not your air conditioner will keep cooling your home throughout the summer. While this is a great time to get a tune-up or replacement, you should also look at the efficiency of your air conditioner. One major factor in air conditioner efficiency is variable A/C technology.
What is a variable speed air conditioner?
Variable speed relates to the compressor in your air conditioner, but different compressors require different blower motors. In technical terms, your blower motor will have one of two types of settings, including single-speed or multi-speed. Your compressor will have one of three types of settings, including single-stage, two-stage, or variable-speed. Both the blower motor and compressor work together to regulate the amount of cool air that goes into your home. Even though this article will go on to only discuss the compressor, feel free to contact us about any questions you have regarding how the blower motor and compressor work together.
How does a variable-speed air conditioner work?
A variable-speed air conditioner can closely regulate the temperature in your home to keep it closer to where you set it. A single-stage compressor has two functions. It can turn on at full power and then turn off. This means that your air conditioner will completely turn off when the temperature goes a few degrees below where you set it. After the temperature gets to a few degrees above where you set it, the air conditioner will turn on again at full blast. A two-stage compressor has one additional setting at 50% to 70% air flow, depending on the model. This creates a high setting and low setting to switch between to keep the air in your home around the temperature you set it at. A variable-speed compressor has many different settings ranging from around 30% air flow to 100% air flow. Because of the multiple settings, there is a low chance your air conditioner will completely shut off and have to work through starting back up again.
Benefits of variable-speed air conditioners
Variable speed air conditioners can give you many benefits in the long run, despite the initial cost. Air conditioners with variable speeds are usually more expensive than single-stage and two-stage air conditioners, but the costs in the long run are lower. While your air conditioner turning off more often sounds like it saves energy, the amount of electricity used to turn your air conditioner back on is much more than it saves by being off. Another benefit is comfort. Because there are multiple settings in the variable-speed air conditioner, the temperature of your home stays within one degree of where you set it. With single- and two-stage air conditioners, the temperature can fluctuate between a few degrees. The last benefit is humidity control. With the air conditioner turning off fewer times, the variable-speed air conditioner will control the humidity in your home more than other air conditioners. Saving money long-term, being more comfortable in your home, and controlled humidity all make for a great air conditioner that will keep you feeling cool all summer.
If you have any questions about air conditioning, or if you would like to schedule a tune-up, give us a call. We want your family to be happy in your home this summer.
