Upgrading your home's air conditioning system to a variable-speed unit can help you save money on your energy bills while making your home more comfortable. A variable-speed air conditioner can adjust the amount of power the compressor motor receives, allowing it to run using very little energy when your home is close to your desired temperature. When the air conditioner needs to cool down your home quickly, it will run the compressor at full power. Older single-stage air conditioners can only run at one speed. To learn three benefits of upgrading your home's air conditioner to a variable-speed unit, read on.

1. Reduced Energy Use

The biggest benefit of upgrading to a variable-speed air conditioner is that it helps keep your energy bills low. Variable-speed air conditioners aren't prone to short cycling, which is a common problem with single-stage air conditioners. A single-stage air conditioner will turn on when your home needs cooling and turn off when your home reaches the temperature set on your thermostat. This results in the air conditioner turning on and off frequently throughout the day.

Short cycling wastes quite a bit of electricity because the amount of power needed to first start the compressor is very high. A variable-speed air conditioner will adjust how fast its compressor runs without ever turning off, which eliminates the initial power draw from starting the compressor motor. By avoiding short cycling, a variable-speed air conditioner will use much less energy.

2. Better Humidity Control

A variable-speed air conditioner also improves humidity control, keeping your home dry and comfortable. Air conditioners dehumidify the air in your home when water vapor in the air condenses on the evaporator coils. However, this doesn't happen whenever your air conditioner is not running. A single-speed air conditioner, since it turns off and on frequently throughout the day, doesn't do as good of a job dehumidifying your home. Variable-speed air conditioners stay running, so they'll continually remove moisture from the air.

3. Improved Longevity

Eliminating short cycling also has the benefit of reducing wear and tear on the air conditioner. When an air conditioner turns on, the compressor motor undergoes a lot of stress. If you have a single-stage air conditioner that's short cycling, the compressor motor will fail sooner. A variable-speed air conditioner doesn't need to turn on and off as often, which extends the lifespan of the compressor.

If you're planning to replace your home's air conditioner, you should look into upgrading to a variable-speed unit. You'll save money on your energy bills and keep the humidity levels in your home low. When you're ready to make the switch, contact an air conditioning installation service in your area and ask them about the variable-speed air conditioners that they have in stock. 

For more information, contact a local AC installation company.