What is a two-stage heat pump?
A two-stage heat pump, also called a dual-stage heat pump, utilizes a two-stage compressor. It has 2 levels of intensity – high (100%) and low (typically 70%). The heat pump will cycle on and off at low speed — first stage — for the majority of the year, until it gets really cold or hot out and needs to jump to high speed — second stage — to keep up. The heat pump will automatically jump between stages in response to the temperature that you set on the thermostat.
How efficient are two-stage heat pumps?
Two-stage heat pumps are highly efficient: they consume less electricity at lower speeds and run for longer periods of time. Long run times circulate air throughout the home, eliminating the likelihood of hot and cold or humid and dry spots.
Once your home has reached your desired temperature, the system will switch to the first stage and continue to run. This fluctuation allows your home to efficiently maintain a steady, even temperature and humidity level.
How much do two-stage heat pumps cost?
Two-stage heat pumps typically cost more than single-stage heat pumps but less than variable-stage heat pumps.
How do two-stage heat pumps compare with single-stage and variable-stage heat pumps?
Like the Goldilocks of HVAC, two-stage heat pumps sit somewhere single-stage and variable-stage heat pumps in terms of efficiency and price. They’re moderately more expensive and far more efficient than single-stage units, but significantly less expensive and just marginally less efficient than variable-stage units.
