How do Two-Stage Air Conditioner Units Work? - Ask the Expert Episode 219

Today's question comes from Sam. "Hey Dan. I had a two-stage air conditioner installed. Works great. What is the determining factor that causes the system to go from one stage to the other? Put another way, how does it know to switch? I'm certain the the installer didn't leave an HVAC fairy in my attic next to my air handler." Oh, I wish there were HVAC fairies. That would be like the best thing ever. Your two-stage air conditioner is going to basically run according to your thermostat. Let's say you set your thermostat on 70 degrees. Initially, when the system starts to cool, it's going to start your first stage. If it maintains the temperature, it will remain there. If it can't maintain, like if it stays around 72 or 73 degrees, then it kicks into that second stage to maintain the interior comfort. There are some thermostats that do this by time. For example, the system may kick into the second stage if the temperature isn't cooled within 15 minutes. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below!
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Joe S. Sr.
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Dan, you’re watching too much Hallmark. But good video.
howard
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ok, so how should you program your thermostat to keep it in stage one. i have a thermostat that has 6 time slots.in cooling mode, if going from 76 to 72, i will start 4 hours before and start dropping the temp 1 degree per hour. will this keep it in stage one? i have a goodman 18 seer 2 stage heat pump with a propane backup. my thermostat is a sensi. what are your suggestions.
Kyle
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Most 2 stage thermostats do not have the capability of eliminating stage 2. However, the signal wire for Y2 can be disconnected and that will prevent 2nd stage compressor operation. The programming you mention will most likely still activate 2nd stage occasionally since the differential for most thermostats is 1F. There are some thermostats that have a stage differential setting, but not many do.
Jason
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Good stuff. I could watch more of this guy
Sal
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My ac its working on 2nd stage, i did set up my termostat at 72 degrees but feel like it's not coling. The indide temperature is 84 and its been on 84 for about 3 hrs. Where do you think i may have the problem? Thanks for your time, help and all the good intentions helping to answer other people's problems. Have a great day!
Rebekah Muller
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There could be a number of issues when it comes to temperature. Please ensure that your system has appropriate airflow, that it is clean, and that there are no leaks. It is possible that you have a refrigerant issue, as well. You may want to contact an HVAC professional. You can also call us at 270-575-9595.
Jose Castillo
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HELLO DAN, I have a question about my 2 stage Unit 4SCU16LS SERIES, when this happens the fan will increase the speed and therefore I will have mre volume of air coming out of the vents?
Rebekah Muller
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Not necessarily. It will attain full capacity, like a single-stage unit, to get your house to the temperature you want it, then reduce its output to maintain that temperature. This does not mean that airflow is increased or decreased, unless the blower is variable speed.
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