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AC Systems: single/double stage vs. variable
Posted on 5/19/22 at 3:14 pm
Posted on 5/19/22 at 3:14 pm
Anyone have any recommendation as to whether a variable speed system is worth it? I've only ever had single stage, but I need an entirely new system and want to do it right.
6
Posted on 5/19/22 at 3:15 pm to Tigerlaff
Get variable.
I went with single and regret it.
I went with single and regret it.
Posted on 5/19/22 at 4:17 pm to Tigerlaff
There was a thread on this topic started a few days ago, here’s the link with poster’s comments. LINK.
There pros and cons to each - I don’t think there is right or wrong - it’s all going to boil down to what you want and your expectations. But you decide on inverter driven variable capacity HVAC you better do your homework and ask a lot a questions.
There pros and cons to each - I don’t think there is right or wrong - it’s all going to boil down to what you want and your expectations. But you decide on inverter driven variable capacity HVAC you better do your homework and ask a lot a questions.
This post was edited on 5/19/22 at 4:32 pm
Posted on 5/19/22 at 5:37 pm to CrawDude
Thank you!
Posted on 5/20/22 at 9:23 am to Tigerlaff
The best bang for the buck is a properly sized high-efficiency single stage system.
If you have zoning and have a small zone on the system, 2-stage will work great for most situations. It still needs to be properly sized though.
Variable speed really shines when you have an improperly designed HVAC system such as if you have really tiny zones or you have undersized ductwork. They don't offer much energy savings over properly sized systems.
Now if you compare the energy cost of an oversized system with an oversized variable capacity system, the variable capacity system will likely save you significantly with energy.
If you have zoning and have a small zone on the system, 2-stage will work great for most situations. It still needs to be properly sized though.
Variable speed really shines when you have an improperly designed HVAC system such as if you have really tiny zones or you have undersized ductwork. They don't offer much energy savings over properly sized systems.
Now if you compare the energy cost of an oversized system with an oversized variable capacity system, the variable capacity system will likely save you significantly with energy.
This post was edited on 5/20/22 at 9:24 am
Posted on 5/20/22 at 9:41 am to Tigerlaff
A friend of mine works in hvac and told me to get 2 stage instead of variable bc the costs and reliability issues outweigh the Energy savings over the life of the until.
Posted on 5/20/22 at 9:51 am to Simon Gruber
I have a single stage and a two stage in two zones. Two stage is much more efficient and I like that once it gets to desired temp it runs much quieter on the low stage. Single stage is a piece of junk and loud as heck. (also the one I'm about to replace)
just my 2 cents.....
just my 2 cents.....
Posted on 5/20/22 at 10:22 am to ElDawgHawg
A benefit of variable heat pumps often tossed around is that they perform decent in heat mode to under 20°, I can see the variable compressor allowing for better heat capture in low ambient conditions, but in our cold damp winters, I'd think the increases in defrost cycles would negate that benefit. Any real world experience on this end? Ultimately I went dual fuel heat pump with variable drive to be generator friendly.
Posted on 5/20/22 at 1:45 pm to Tigerlaff
I replaced an old 3ton single stage with a new 3 ton 2 stage 17 seer a couple years ago. I would never go back. House stays much quieter and more comfortable.
I will replace my other single stage with a 2 stage when the time comes. I have no experience with variable. The 2 stage was expensive enough.
I will replace my other single stage with a 2 stage when the time comes. I have no experience with variable. The 2 stage was expensive enough.
Posted on 5/21/22 at 3:28 pm to Antib551
Two stage works great for me. A single stage system properly sized for the hottest days of summer will be oversized in spring and fall, which is avoided with a a 2 stage system. Even on the hottest days the 2 stage system will slow down to 1 stage when the temperature nears set point.. The 2 stage system therefore runs longer at lower capacity as needed. This means a lower humidity than what is achievable with a single stage system.
Variable speed theoretically gives you the lowest possible humidity and the quietest condenser and should maximize comfort. I don't know how much more they cost or what their reliability is. The cost you can get from the vendor and hopefully someone can chime in on the reliability.
My 2 stage is over 20 yrs and still kicking (KOW). It works way better than my previous single stage. If I couldn't replace it with a 2 stage, I would go variable speed.
Variable speed theoretically gives you the lowest possible humidity and the quietest condenser and should maximize comfort. I don't know how much more they cost or what their reliability is. The cost you can get from the vendor and hopefully someone can chime in on the reliability.
My 2 stage is over 20 yrs and still kicking (KOW). It works way better than my previous single stage. If I couldn't replace it with a 2 stage, I would go variable speed.
This post was edited on 5/22/22 at 12:56 pm
Posted on 5/24/22 at 10:18 pm to Nawlens Gator
Thoughts on a quote for $12500 4 ton 2 stage trane 17 seers?
Posted on 5/25/22 at 8:45 am to Fox McCloud
quote:
Thoughts on a quote for $12500 4 ton 2 stage trane 17 seers?
I had a quote on that same 4-ton Trane system in Aug 2018 of $13300, and with price increases over that time, I would think that is a pretty good/competitive quote. There is a significant price jump going from a single stage to two stage system.
This post was edited on 5/25/22 at 9:04 am
Posted on 5/25/22 at 8:58 am to Fox McCloud
quote:
Thoughts on a quote for $12500 4 ton 2 stage trane 17 seers?
I paid $9500 for a 5 ton 16 seer single stage Amana and install in Fall of 2021 fwiw. I know things are higher now.
Posted on 5/25/22 at 9:19 am to CrawDude
Ok great, it’s actually 18 seers according to my guy. Another company quoted me 18k for same system lol. I’m gonna pull trigger on this. Appreciate the feedback
Posted on 5/25/22 at 9:25 am to Fox McCloud
If I got that same quote as you in BR today, I’d jump on it - I plan to change out my unit this winter, and I’m also inclined to go with a two-stage system.
Posted on 5/25/22 at 9:30 am to Fox McCloud
quote:
Thoughts on a quote for $12500 4 ton 2 stage trane 17 seers?
Do you know 4 ton is the correct size?
Posted on 5/25/22 at 9:36 am to notsince98
Yeah that’s what I currently have and everybody that I’ve gotten quotes from says 4 ton is right.
Posted on 5/25/22 at 11:17 am to Tigerlaff
New construction house I’m paying $20,000 for 2 3 ton 17 seer 2 stage AC, gas heat, all ductwork and vents installed. Trane system.
Posted on 5/25/22 at 12:31 pm to Simon Gruber
Not sure how but that’s a hell of a deal. I’ve gotten 6 quotes and nothing near those numbers.
Posted on 5/25/22 at 1:06 pm to Fox McCloud
quote:
Yeah that’s what I currently have and everybody that I’ve gotten quotes from says 4 ton is right.
Based on Manual J calculations or you measured duty cycles during the peak cooling season?
If your existing unit is oversized, your new unit will be too.
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