When the temperatures begin to peak for the season in the Ohio area, you can expect your air conditioner to be working full-time to cool down your house.
Regardless of the severity of temperatures, the cooling element in your system works hard during an Ohio summer.
So what are the different types of systems?
Did you know that there are different types of air conditioning systems that allow for different stages/speeds of operation? These include both Single-Stage and Staged air conditioning systems. Learn more about them below…
Single Stage Air Conditioner Equipment
Single-stage cooling equipment is very simple: the air conditioner kicks on when the thermostat detects a need to cool the air. A single-stage A/C, which operates at one A/C speed, will run until the thermostat is satisfied, and then it will shut off. These single-stage air conditioner units are designed and built to run at max capacity, as if they had to operate in extreme heat conditions, running consistently at one, constant A/C speed.
So what does this mean for you if you have a single-stage ac system in your Ohio home?
Basically, a single-stage A/C unit in Ohio is essentially ‘oversized’ for up to 95% of the cooling season, because the majority of those days are in the milder 70 – 80 degree temperatures, where running at full capacity is not necessary. Because this type of system only runs at one A/C speed, the equipment will start and stop frequently. These frequent bursts in usage cause wear and tear, higher utility bills, and mediocre dehumidification, along with early breakdowns and shorter system life spans.
While a single-stage A/C system can do its part to protect your home and your family from the summer heat, it leaves much to be desired when it comes to home comfort for homeowners here in Ohio.
Two-Stage Air Conditioner Equipment (Staged or Variable Speed HVAC)
Unlike single-speed cooling, variable speed air conditioning offers more balanced temperatures throughout the home. These balanced temperatures are accomplished as the staged HVAC systems are designed to run for longer intervals. This multi-stage operation not only makes your home feel more comfortable but also cuts down on unnecessary utility usage. Two-stage HVAC systems are designed for places like Ohio where the day-to-day weather varies drastically.
HVAC On Air Podcast Series: Two-Stage HVAC System Serviceability
Listen to some of our Logan Services experts, Chris and Bill, on a recent podcast series with Emerson Technologies to learn the difference between two-stage and single-stage equipment.
Who benefits most from a variable speed ac?
Logan Services recommends staged equipment in our Midwest region; this is because temperatures vary during the summer months. In Ohio, we size our A/C units to be able to cool effectively based on a 90-degree day, even though we don’t reach those temperatures very often. A variable speed A/C will allow your home to cool operating at different stages depending on the amount of conditioned air you need to combat the temperature outside. The ability to operate with this speed variability allows you to have a properly sized system all season long.
In a nutshell, staged equipment is a much better fit for our climate. The oversizing of the heating and cooling equipment will be eliminated because every time it comes on it runs at a lower capacity, and only when needed does it jump up to full capacity. The two-stage HVAC system will operate at 60% capacity in the first stage for mild/normal temperatures and then it will run at 100% in the second stage for more extreme temperatures. In return, you get a longer-lasting unit, 4x better dehumidification, lower utility bills, and a more consistent temperature throughout the entire home.
When paired with the appropriate heating system, variable speed HVAC is a great comfort solution for home comfort all year long. You find that your two-stage A/C will have less wear and tear making the system last longer for your home, more efficient, and uses less energy.
To see what a variable speed A/C system can do for your home, schedule one of our Comfort Consultants to come out and give you an estimate in Dayton, Cincinnati, or Columbus.
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