Two-Stage Air Conditioner Cost

Cost

• Many factors affect the initial and annual running costs of a two-stage air conditioner, including the brand, capacity and usage of the appliance. The Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy's Energy Star program recognizes some of the more efficient models of two-stage air conditioners; these appliances have an annual cost of between $120 and $250. The initial price varies greatly, but is often more than one-stage air conditioners, and is often $3,000 or more. But due to the energy savings over time, the initial cost is often worth paying.

Comparison with Single-Stage Models

• Compared with efficient single-stage air conditioners, two-stage models tend to cost 25 to 30 percent more, according to Northern Illinois University. But they will usually have a higher SEER (Seasonal Environmental Efficiency Rating) number, often from 16 to 18 in the newest models. This means they are much more efficient. Older air conditioners may have a rating of just eight or so, so switching to a two-stage system can save a lot of money. Furthermore, two-stage systems greatly improve comfort and humidity indoors. The real benefit of two-stage systems is that you can adjust the thermostat higher and save more energy.

How It Works

• Two-stage air conditioners vary their cooling output according to environment conditions. For 90 percent of the running time, they are in an efficient, low-output mode. They only enter the second, high-output stage during the hottest times. The design includes one of three designs. Those with a single compressor or two small compressors provide 50 percent of the maximum cooling capacity during the first stage. Those with a single, two-spreed compressor will provide 60 percent of cooling capacity in the first stage, and 40 percent at the second stage.

Savings

• Since the initial cost of many two-stage systems is not as cheap as other options, it can be helpful to consider the lifetime cost and savings potentials of such systems. According to Energy Star, the lifetime operating cost of the most efficient two-stage systems varies between $1,700 and more than $3,000. But the savings potential is significant for these systems and the best models often offer 27 to 33 percent savings over the federal minimum standard.