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Is a Two-Stage Air Conditioner Worth It in Jackson, NJ?

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is two stage air conditioner worth it

Are you thinking of getting a new air conditioning unit for your NJ home? If you are, you might want to consider a two-stage air conditioner installed by a highly rated HVAC contractor in Jackon, NJ. With this AC installed, you won’t even break a sweat on the steamiest of days! So, is a two-stage air conditioner worth it? Let’s find out!

What Is a Two-Stage Air Conditioner?

A two-stage, sometimes called a dual-stage, air conditioner is an AC unit that can run in two stages – high and low. Your traditional AC only has one setting: cool at full blast. A traditional single-stage air conditioner runs at one speed when it’s on — full stop until it shuts down.

A dual-stage AC doesn’t technically shut down. It’s either running on high or low, depending on what your home’s climate needs are. One of the huge differences between a traditional single-stage AC and two-stage air conditioning is that a two-stage runs in, well, two stages depending on your room temperature. 

Room temperature plays a huge part in how your two-stage AC works. If the weather is milder and not as hot, then the dual-stage AC will run on low and keep an even temperature in your Jackson home, which will save money in energy costs.

When it’s a blistering hot day, the AC switches to high. This means your air conditioning is running at full capacity to cool your home quickly. 

How Does a Dual-Stage AC Work?

As mentioned above, a two-stage air conditioner’s compressors run at two speeds. A single-stage air conditioner will run at 100% output on a continuous basis. A dual-stage can switch between its two speeds, depending on your home’s climate.

Let’s break that down. If your home is at 75 degrees Fahrenheit and you set your two-stage air conditioner to 70 degrees, your AC will operate until it reaches that temperature. When it first starts it will operate on low. If that doesn’t bring your room down to 70 degrees, the air conditioner will switch to high until your home reaches the desired temp.

After your dual-stage air conditioner has achieved cooling the room, it will switch back to its constant low speed to help maintain that 70 degrees.

Two-Stage AC Benefits

As your single-stage air conditioning unit ages, it loses its efficiency. That means it requires more time and money to keep it working, whether in energy, repair, or replacement costs. When a traditional AC begins losing its cooling ability, it won’t be long before it stops completely, and no amount of repair will get it back to working the way it should.

When your traditional, single-stage air conditioning unit turns on and off with the fluctuating temperatures in your home, it causes extraneous wear and tear on its components. It’s working harder to keep your home cooler than outside temps, but that struggle is costing you more each month on utility bills and AC repairs. 

There are numerous two-stage AC benefits that will help you save in each of those areas. Some dual-stage air conditioner advantages include:

Better Energy Efficiency

A dual-stage air conditioner is always on. With that constant air flow, temps in your home will stay within a normal pleasant range, providing more comfort on those sweltering days that keep you indoors. Because it’s more energy efficient, you’re paying less in utility bills each month. Those savings add up! 

If you think about it, considering all the money you’ll save each month on utility bills and air conditioning repairs, you’re practically getting a two-stage air conditioner at a discount. 

Extended Lifespan

While it does cost a bit more upfront for a dual-stage AC, the benefits of two-stage cooling far outweigh the cost and installation of the unit.

The system will outlast a traditional, single-stage AC that typically has a lifespan of up to 20 years. A dual-stage AC can last a few years beyond that, especially with proper preventive maintenance and service. This air conditioner is built with higher-performance parts, which causes less stress on its components.

Less stress equals less wear and tear, which equals fewer repairs, which equals a longer-lasting two-stage system and more money in your pocket.

Temperature Control

Controlling your home’s temperature not only lowers energy costs; it also helps combat humidity. In this respect, a two-stage AC doesn’t turn on and off if your home has wildly fluctuating temperatures as a single-stage does. It mostly runs at lower speeds until your cooling needs require more output from your AC.

When you require more cooling power, your two-stage air conditioner will run at 100% capacity to cool your home. When the temperature evens out, it will drop back to a constant lower speed to maintain that temperature.

Humidity Control

When it’s a steamy day, you’ll want to escape the Jackson heat and find cool comfort in your home. The great thing about a two-stage air conditioner is that it controls the humidity levels in your home.

Because it doesn’t have a constant on-and-off cycle, this gives the dual-stage AC more time to evaporate water vapor — and still keep money in your wallet!

Aside from the benefit of saving money, a two-stage air conditioner uses less energy, which reduces your carbon footprint. That’s being eco-responsible, and that’s better for you and the planet!

There’s no denying the value of two-stage cooling, but what about a variable-speed air conditioner?

Variable Speed vs. a Two-Speed AC for Jackson Homes

Is a two-stage air conditioner worth it compared to a variable-speed model? A variable-speed air conditioner goes beyond a two-stage AC in cost, efficiency, and lifespan. This system can run at virtually any speed between 30% and 100%, customizing output precisely ot your temperature goals. However, they cost more upfront, and if you have an older home, you may have problems with installation.

One issue is uninsulated ducts.

Lack of insulated ducts is a common issue in old homes. Ducts without insulation will sweat as a variable-speed AC makes your home cooler, which, in turn, makes the ducts cooler. This will cause water to condense on the outside of them. That’s called sweating.

Everyone knows that in an old home, moisture is essentially a death knell. Anywhere your ducts run, walls, basement, or attic will be at risk of moisture issues. This can cause mold and mildew, and lower your indoor air quality

Replacing Ducts

There’s always the option of replacing the ductwork in your home to make it better equipped for a variable-speed AC, but that can be very costly and not worth it if your home is too old. In quite a few places in the United States, you’re not allowed to install or replace ductwork in your home. You have to be permitted and licensed because when you replace ducts, you will need to demolish some walls to access them. 

When demolishing walls to gain access to the ducts, you could find a whole slew of other problems that will add additional costs and possibly extend the installation time even further. Before you decide to take this task on, consult with a heating & cooling contractor. Or you could save yourself some hassle, headaches, and money and install a two-stage air conditioner that will keep your home cool and moisture-free.

Installing a Two-Stage Air Conditioner

Whichever type of AC unit you pick, either two-stage or variable speed, don’t try to DIY your installation. It takes a professional who has experience in installing these units.

Even if you managed to install your two-stage air conditioner yourself, there’s the possibility that the AC will lose its efficiency rating from damage during the installation. If that happens, you’ll see your monthly energy bills increase. That negates the whole purpose of installing an energy-efficient two-stage AC.

If something goes wrong and your air conditioner does not work at all, you’ll need to contact a professional to check for damage, make any needed repairs, and finish the installation, which will be more money out of your pocket.

Update Your Jackson Home’s Cooling Ability Today!

You’ve learned about the advantages of two-stage air conditioning, and taking into consideration the longer lifespan and energy efficiency benefits, dual-stage AC worthiness is obvious. 

The question was, is a two-stage air conditioner worth it? A dual-stage air conditioner saves you money with energy efficiency, temperature and humidity control, and a longer lifespan. Considering all the benefits and advantages a dual-stage AC has, yes, it’s very much worth it. But if you still can’t decide, give us a call. 

There’s nothing better than staying cool while saving money in the process. If you’re interested in the benefits of a two-stage air conditioner for your Jackson home, schedule a consultation online or call Casper Friendly Services at 732-656-8258.

Look over this FAQ if you have any questions to ask an HVAC technician. If you can’t find your answers there, then reach out to us, and our friendly heating and cooling experts will help you with the answers you need.