What is a two stage air conditioner?
Two stage air conditioners are gaining in popularity because they off energy savings and an increased comfort level. So what are they?
A two stage air conditioner is basically two air conditioners in one. The consist on 2 separate compressors and in some cases a variable displace compressor. What the does is allow the unit to only run at half capacity during normal operation and then kick into full capacity it if can't meet the cooling needs.
Most air-conditioned are size to meet the most depending day. So that could be that one week of triple digit temps throughout the year. during the rest of the time the unit is oversize. An oversized unit runs less time and consumes more energy than a smaller unit. So when the two stage unit in in low mode it save energy and runs longer periods at a time.
The reason longer run times are important is when it comes to the humidity. The longer the unit runs the more it is able to lower the humidity levels. Lower humidity at the same temperature feels cooler and more comfortable. So it really is a win win situation.