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Difference between 2-stage and 1-stage A/C and furnace when both have a variable speed fan?

Hi all,

I'm having a really hard time understanding the effective difference in comfort between having a 2-stage A/C or furnace vs. a 1-stage, when both setups have a variable speed fan/air handler. Maybe I'm butchering the nomenclature, but I can't find anything on it.

My impression is that having a 1-stage system with a variable fan is between a 2-stage and a 1-stage with a fixed fan. Is that right? Does it bridge the gap in humidity removal during the summer? I live in the Chicago area and the summers can get muggy, but if there's not a big difference in the humidity control, I see no reason to go for the 2-stage A/C given the price increase (~$1600).

My HVAC guy who gave me the quotes said that there isn't a big difference between the furnace options, but people really comment on the A/C due to the humidity control.

Thanks!
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Comments

  • captainco
    captainco Member Posts: 792
    Actually 2-stage A/C doesn't dehumidify as well as a single stage. The A-Coil doesn't get cold enough. I get this from a very smart guy in Texas that teaches airflow and btus with my company.
    2-Stage furnaces are for people that like to wait to get warm, but they do have an advantage if the right tech is working on them and makes some adjustments.
  • John Mills_5
    John Mills_5 Member Posts: 950
    Agreed. Sometimes the latent heat ratio isn't too good on low so to me, the argument of better dehumidification isn't always valid. I'd rather get a good single stage and use the dehumidify on demand feature of the variable speed blower or if you are really in a moist area, a whole house dehumidifier is wise. No A/C dehumidifies when there is no call for cooling such as 70 and raining out.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    edited November 2016
    I'm a bit confused by what has been said here.

    For example if you have a 2 stage 3 ton A\C system that runs the blower at 1200 CFM on high and 800 CFM on low, why would the evap not get "cold enough" for good dehumidifcation?

    You have 67% of the normal air flow and 67% of the normal compressor output so the coil should run at the same temperature. No?

    Most of these also have a dehumification function which forces the fan to run even slower and many thermostats will allow the system to cool up to 3 degrees lower than the setpoint for moisture removal.

    All of the charts I've seen for 2 stage systems showed the same SHR in both high and low stages with slightly improved efficiency in low.


    My opinion at this point is a 2 stage A\C system should have the same humidity removal as a single stage, but should result in far greater comfort and much quieter operation (inside) most of the season. It should also give slightly improved efficiency.



    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • captainco
    captainco Member Posts: 792
    Based on field measurements, two stage cooling is not dehumidifying as good as single stage. What you say sounds good it just isn't what is happening.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    captainco said:

    Based on field measurements, two stage cooling is not dehumidifying as good as single stage. What you say sounds good it just isn't what is happening.

    So you're saying the manufacturers who show the SHR for both high stage and low stage being identical are publishing false information?

    That's all I've got to go on right now is manufacturer's specifications.

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • njtommy
    njtommy Member Posts: 1,105
    I will take a 2 stage system over a single stage any day of the week. My experience is they provide more comfort then a single stage system and sometimes even a bit of money savings( nothing crazy).

    You can and will dehumidify a space running on 1st stage and a lower fan speed. You must dial in your fan speed and make sure you superheat is with in range at the compressor.
    ChrisJRich_49
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    edited August 2017
    So,

    The results are in.
    My system most certainly dehumidifies better in LOW stage.

    In high stage I typically have an 18 to 20 degree drop across the coil, depending on outdoor conditions.

    In low stage however, 21 to 22 degrees is more common. The evaporator runs cooler and the air has more time around it.

    The results don't lie.





    This 2 stage system squeezes water of the air out just fine.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Rich_49
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    captainco said:

    Based on field measurements, two stage cooling is not dehumidifying as good as single stage. What you say sounds good it just isn't what is happening.

    Field measurements of what ? Properly designed systems or systems designed by folks who think they know it all ?
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
    ChrisJ
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    ChrisJ said:

    So,

    The results are in.
    My system most certainly dehumidifies better in LOW stage.

    In high stage I typically have an 18 to 20 degree drop across the coil, depending on outdoor conditions.

    In low stage however, 21 to 22 degrees is more common. The evaporator runs cooler and the air has more time around it.

    The results don't lie.





    This 2 stage system squeezes water of the air out just fine.

    Hard to argue with math and data on a system with right sized ductwork . We must not forget identical systems will perform differently in buildings with different types of envelopes . Something many of these EXPERTS forget to take into consideration , no matter who they work for . There is a reason that these trades got so screwed up , just sayin
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
    ChrisJGordy
  • Harvey Ramer
    Harvey Ramer Member Posts: 2,239
    Dehumidification in a home has everything to do with the amount of time the air is exposed to a condition that causes it to condense.

    If a two stage system is properly set up with the correct sizing and airflow, it will most certainly outperform a single stage system in the same scenario.

    Not talking about efficiency. That's a different animal.
    ChrisJ
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583

    Dehumidification in a home has everything to do with the amount of time the air is exposed to a condition that causes it to condense.



    If a two stage system is properly set up with the correct sizing and airflow, it will most certainly outperform a single stage system in the same scenario.



    Not talking about efficiency. That's a different animal.

    According to the numbers on my setup, they claim it's more efficient in low stage as does a study I had read on 2 stage setups a while back.

    Can I prove it? Of course not.

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • NateEnergySmart
    NateEnergySmart Member Posts: 1
    Thank you for actually measuring on your system! You ended the thread with it. =)

    Right sized, multiple stage HVAC consistently delivers good dehumidification in our experience. We almost entirely use higher end HVAC. http://energysmartohio.com/case-studies/
    Rich_49ChrisJ
  • Rich_49
    Rich_49 Member Posts: 2,766
    By the deafening sound of crickets I would imagine you have your answer Confused .
    You didn't get what you didn't pay for and it will never be what you thought it would .
    Langans Plumbing & Heating LLC
    732-751-1560
    Serving most of New Jersey, Eastern Pa .
    Consultation, Design & Installation anywhere
    Rich McGrath 732-581-3833
    ChrisJGordy
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,691
    Two stage systems have more run time that one stage

    Ac operation equates to drier air

    Two stage systems are better at dehumidifying
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Dehumidification?
    I've got your dehumidification. All in low stage.



    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Rich_49Gordy
  • Henry
    Henry Member Posts: 998
    My variable speed York furnace works great with the two stage AC. It runs mostly on the lower stage unless it gets very hot outside. We have very humid air here and the York does better than my previous single stage and two speed furnace. As a 2 stage AC it was slightly oversized but since it runs on the lower most of the time, I appreciate the second stage when it gets very hot.
    ChrisJRich_49
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Henry said:

    My variable speed York furnace works great with the two stage AC. It runs mostly on the lower stage unless it gets very hot outside. We have very humid air here and the York does better than my previous single stage and two speed furnace. As a 2 stage AC it was slightly oversized but since it runs on the lower most of the time, I appreciate the second stage when it gets very hot.

    It seems the smallest 2 stage they make is 3 ton, is that correct?

    It's a shame because many houses would benefit from a 1.5 or 2 ton 2 stage unit.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Jack
    Jack Member Posts: 1,047
    ChrisJ said:

    Henry said:

    My variable speed York furnace works great with the two stage AC. It runs mostly on the lower stage unless it gets very hot outside. We have very humid air here and the York does better than my previous single stage and two speed furnace. As a 2 stage AC it was slightly oversized but since it runs on the lower most of the time, I appreciate the second stage when it gets very hot.

    It seems the smallest 2 stage they make is 3 ton, is that correct?

    It's a shame because many houses would benefit from a 1.5 or 2 ton 2 stage unit.
    Well, they make them. Seven stage modulation on burner and blower. Models available in 3-8kbtu. 5.5-11, 8.2-16.7, 8.2-21.5 & 13.2-38. Rinnai direct vent wall furnaces. Easy install and bomb proof.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Jack said:

    ChrisJ said:

    Henry said:

    My variable speed York furnace works great with the two stage AC. It runs mostly on the lower stage unless it gets very hot outside. We have very humid air here and the York does better than my previous single stage and two speed furnace. As a 2 stage AC it was slightly oversized but since it runs on the lower most of the time, I appreciate the second stage when it gets very hot.

    It seems the smallest 2 stage they make is 3 ton, is that correct?

    It's a shame because many houses would benefit from a 1.5 or 2 ton 2 stage unit.
    Well, they make them. Seven stage modulation on burner and blower. Models available in 3-8kbtu. 5.5-11, 8.2-16.7, 8.2-21.5 & 13.2-38. Rinnai direct vent wall furnaces. Easy install and bomb proof.
    What does that have to do with 2 stage outdoor condensing units?

    :)
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Rich_49
  • Jack
    Jack Member Posts: 1,047
    You mentioned furnaces;) for the AC side I guess it would be hard to beat mini-splits in those sizes
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    Chris thinks everything is a furnace :D
    JUGHNE
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Jack said:

    You mentioned furnaces;) for the AC side I guess it would be hard to beat mini-splits in those sizes

    Henry mentioned a furnace, I mentioned only tonnage.
    @Gordy is still upset that he's stuck with someone else's furnace.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    But it is a furnace.
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,691
    No, it's a boiler
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    I've got a headache.

    SO! On the lighter side, I dropped my CFM from 1200 to around 1060 today. It should improve dehumdification even more, but that's not why I did it.

    For some reason, this air handler in this configuration ends up pulling small amounts of water into the blower compartment in high stage. I say "in this configuration" because it's horizontal and the evaporator is installed backwards, with the tip of the A facing the air filter and the mouth facing the blower.


    I'm hoping the slight drop will eliminate that issue. 353 cfm per ton may be more appropriate for my area anyway, who knows.


    If this doesn't stop it, I have no clue what I'm going to do.


    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    Its all that humidity your pulling out of the air, and now you want to pull more. You'll be waking up with cotton mouth, psoriasis, and nose bleeds.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Gordy said:

    Its all that humidity your pulling out of the air, and now you want to pull more. You'll be waking up with cotton mouth, psoriasis, and nose bleeds.

    Sigh.

    One day you'll learn to read my friend.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Gordy
    Gordy Member Posts: 9,546
    ChrisJ said:

    I've got a headache.

    SO! On the lighter side, I dropped my CFM from 1200 to around 1060 today. It should improve dehumdification even more

    Your obsessed with the low stage humidity removal. You know you are. You want to see how low you can go.
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    edited August 2017
    Gordy said:



    ChrisJ said:

    I've got a headache.

    SO! On the lighter side, I dropped my CFM from 1200 to around 1060 today. It should improve dehumdification even more

    Your obsessed with the low stage humidity removal. You know you are. You want to see how low you can go.
    Normally, that does sound like me. I'll admit it.

    But no, sadly, I'm so far beyond tired of messing with this thing and being in that attic I just want it to work. August of 2016 I started planning to install my own central air. I never intended on re-engineering an air handler that didn't work right from the manufacturer............ You have no idea how beyond unimpressed I am. I should've went with American Standard. Too late now.

    Learning how to install and setup a steamer and balance vents was a piece of cake compared to making this POS work out of the box. Now I know why everyone makes fun of them.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • ratio
    ratio Member Posts: 3,615
    Now that your idealism is dead and disgust & apathy have replaced it, I can truthfully say welcome to the trade! We're here for you, brother. I'll tilt the suds to you tonight.
    ChrisJGW
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    edited August 2017
    ratio said:

    Now that your idealism is dead and disgust & apathy have replaced it, I can truthfully say welcome to the trade! We're here for you, brother. I'll tilt the suds to you tonight.

    I don't know whether to give this an LOL or a thank. :D
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,691
    Chris are you one million percent sure you followed the instructions exactly? Sometimes there are "drip shields" that require the installers' attention
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,691
    And it's not a pos, it's just not what you're familiar with. If all of the air handlers dripped from any manufacturer that manufacture would cease to exist really quickly
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    edited August 2017
    GW said:

    Chris are you one million percent sure you followed the instructions exactly? Sometimes there are "drip shields" that require the installers' attention

    I've read, and re-read the instructions over and over.
    Is it possible I missed something? Of course. But I don't think I did.

    It dripping isn't the reason I called it a POS.
    That's a minor issue in a seldom used configuration.

    Please see my PM for the whole story. I'm not here to bash any manufacturer.

    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • HVACNUT
    HVACNUT Member Posts: 5,803
    > @ChrisJ said:
    >
    > Please see my PM for the whole story. I'm not here to bash any manufacturer.
    >
    >
    > I bet it starts with a "G".
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Gordy said:

    But it is a furnace.

    I think I'm going to start calling an evaporator a boiler.

    Just to piss @Charlie from wmass off. :p
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    Call it Pookie if you like won't bother me any.
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
    ratioRich_49Gordy
  • GW
    GW Member Posts: 4,691
    we all have our peeves. Mine is when you're cutting cake for ANYONE OTHER THAN YOURSELF and you lick the accumulated frosting off your fingers---THAT GROSS, why do some people do that????????????And, some add that lip smacking sound as they do it.
    Gary Wilson
    Wilson Services, Inc
    Northampton, MA
    gary@wilsonph.com
  • Charlie from wmass
    Charlie from wmass Member Posts: 4,318
    If it is your significant other they may be flirting. Lol
    Cost is what you spend , value is what you get.

    cell # 413-841-6726
    https://heatinghelp.com/find-a-contractor/detail/charles-garrity-plumbing-and-heating
    Gordy
  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,583
    Mine is I can't stand when people are inconsiderate.
    Though people arguing that the Earth is flat may be second to that lately.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
    Charlie from wmass