Everyone deserves to live in comfort. Your quality of life doesn’t need to break the bank. A new system may seem costly upfront, but the long term savings simply can’t be overlooked. Leave temporary fixes behind.
What’s the Difference between Variable Speed vs. Two-Stage vs. Single-Stage HVAC Systems?
When it comes to choosing an HVAC system, there’s a certain amount of vocabulary to navigate. If you’ve heard about variable speed and multi-stage systems and are wondering what those words mean and which one is right for you, then learn more below.
If you’re looking to purchase an HVAC system such as an air conditioner or heat pump, you’ve likely come across the terms variable speed, two-stage, and single-stage – but, what do they mean? To further complicate things, you might even see words like two-speed or single-speed while doing your research, too.
What all these terms are really referring to is the capacity at which your HVAC system is able to operate as it cools your home, and that’s all determined by the number of stages on the system’s compressor. Single-stage or speed systems have a compressor that can only operate at one setting. Meanwhile, two-stage or speed systems have compressors with two settings, and variable speed systems have compressors with multiple settings. Learn the key differences among these three systems, plus how to know which is best for your home.
Single-stage, or single-speed, systems are the most basic systems. They have two settings: on or off, meaning they operate at full capacity or not at all. These systems work at full speed to cool down hot outdoor temperatures that impact your home, as the system shuts off completely once the indoor temperature has cooled down. Because of the frequent switch from on to off, and because they can only operate at 100% max speed, single-stage systems are usually the most expensive to operate. For homeowners interested in a single-stage system, Trane offers systems ranging in efficiency from 13 to 15 SEER2.
Two-stage, or two-speed, systems take single-stage systems up a notch and control the temperature in your home a bit more accurately. While single-stage systems must be at either 0 percent or 100 percent capacity, two-stage systems add more variety by offering a high and low setting. In most cases, the low stage operates around 65 percent capacity, while the high stage operates at 100 percent capacity. Compared to single-stage systems, the two-stage system offers a middle ground for temperature control. The Trane XR16 and Trane XL17 are great options for homeowners seeking a two-stage system.
Variable speed, or variable stage, systems are the most efficient and advanced systems on the market. When you set a temperature on your thermostat, a variable speed system takes into account the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the indoor and outdoor humidity levels, and the run time needed to reach your desired temperature, in order to determine the appropriate output. Variable speed systems can operate anywhere from 25 percent capacity to 100 percent capacity to meet your temperature needs. Variable speed systems reach and maintain your home’s desired temperature within half a degree, and because they can operate at lower speeds, they consume less power, which makes them the least expensive to operate over time. If you’re looking for a variable speed system, the Trane XV18, XV19, and Trane XV20i are popular choices.
Now that you know a bit more about each type of system, the next step is choosing which one is right for your home. Consider these factors so you can make the best purchase possible for your home.
Cost typically plays a significant role in most purchases, and your HVAC system isn’t any different. While single-stage systems are the lowest in cost upfront, they’ll cost more to operate in the long run. On the flip side, variable speed systems are the most expensive option upfront, but cost less to operate since they run on a lower operating speed and draw less power most of their operating runtime. Two-stage systems are the middle ground for both upfront cost and cost overtime.
Energy efficiency is an important measure to consider, as the more energy efficient your system, the less it’ll cost you in utility bills. Single-stage systems are the least energy efficient because they must operate at 100 percent capacity when they’re on. Since two-stage systems operate at a high and low setting, they use less energy than single-stage systems, but more energy than variable speed systems. Variable speed systems are the most energy efficient.
Too much or too little humidity in your home can have negative consequences, so it’s crucial your HVAC system can keep your indoor humidity at an optimal level. Two-stage systems are more efficient in removing moisture in the air than single-stage systems, which reduces humidity in the home. But, like most factors on this list, variable speed systems are the best at regulating humidity and are ideal for people living in high humidity environments.
Now that you have more information about the differences among single-stage, two-stage, and variable speed systems, you can choose the right HVAC system for your home. As you have learned, climate, energy efficiency, your geographic location, and budget can all play a role in helping you determine which system best fits your unique needs. Reach out to Mann Plumbing & Heating, LLC. for more detailed information and guidance.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) is making HVAC more affordable. The inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes tax credits that reward homeowners for purchasing qualifying high-efficiency HVAC systems, including furnaces, ACs, heat pumps, fans, and more.
Keep reading to learn more about the IRA, this exciting initiative, and how many of Trane’s energy-efficient residential heating and cooling systems are eligible for savings under this updated tax credit program.
If you’re planning home improvements that will boost the energy efficiency of your house, the Inflation Reduction Act could save you money on your projects. Thanks to Uncle Sam, the Act, which aims to curb inflation, includes extended and expanded tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements, giving ordinary Americans incentives to go green — and save money in the process.
While there are several tax credits and rebates designed to lower carbon emissions in the home, the renewed Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) may be the most relevant. This updated version of the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit greatly increases the tax credit limit for installing specific high-efficiency equipment, such as heat pumps, central air conditioning systems, and furnaces through 12/31/2032. This means homeowners can get a tax break on energy-efficient HVAC upgrades, while helping to contribute to a cleaner environment.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is a large bill that is designed to limit inflation by reducing the deficit and addressing some of the most significant issues the United States is facing in climate control and health care. Signed into law in August 2022, the $740 billion climate and health care legislation addresses a wide range of issues, from the high cost of prescription drugs to energy efficiencies and electric vehicles. The bill includes clean energy tax credits and other relevant tax incentives that homeowners can benefit from when they make green upgrades.
One of the bill’s primary objectives is to address climate change and ultimately to slow down global warming. Focusing largely on encouraging businesses to become more eco-friendly and start taking clean energy production seriously, there are benefits for individual Americans in the bill as well. The IRA can help homeowners reduce their tax bill through rebates and tax credits for energy-efficient windows, doors, water heaters, furnaces, and heating and cooling systems.
One of the most important aspects of the IRA for homeowners is the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit. Previously known as the Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit, this tax credit is new and improved through the IRA and provides opportunities to save on your energy-efficient upgrades.
Starting in 2023, the tax credit provides homeowners up to 30% of the installation costs for qualified expenditures. This tax credit program lasts until December 31, 2032. The 25C credit has an annual cap of 30% of the installed costs, with a maximum of $1,200. Qualified air conditioners or furnaces may receive up to $600 each. There is also a separate annual limit of $2,000 for qualified heat pumps, which means a homeowner could claim up to $3,200 in credits annually.
Note: The process described above is for the filing process for equipment installed prior to December 31st 2022. The IRS has not yet defined the process for 2023. Check back for updates.
Additionally, there are no income requirements for this tax credit and starting in 2023, 25C is no longer a ‘one time’ credit, but an annual one.
Homeowners who had eligible HVAC equipment installed on or after January 1, 2022, may be eligible for retroactive tax credits under this program. The 2022 tax credit is not as robust, but will credit 10 percent of the costs of installing qualified equipment and 100 percent of the costs associated with installing qualified water heaters, heat pumps, central air conditioning systems, furnaces, hot water boilers and air circulating fans.
With this tax credit, there is a lifetime limit of $500 or $300 for certain water heaters, heat pumps, and air conditioning systems for systems purchased in 2022.
The Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) is designed to accelerate the adoption of high efficiency HVAC systems by homeowners. Higher efficiency HVAC systems consume less power and help lower monthly utility bills for homeowners.
Homeowners can also choose to reduce fossil fuel usage of their HVAC system by upgrading to a hybrid heat system which combines a furnace and a heat pump (such systems could qualify for more than $2,000 in tax credits), or to eliminate fossil fuel usage entirely by going with an all-electric heat pump and air handler system. This movement towards using electricity as a primary energy source has the potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change. The Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C) rewards homeowners for switching to these environmentally-friendly HVAC options.
Learn what equipment qualifies on Trane’s rebates and tax credits page and reference additional 2023 25C Tax Credit product information below.
With the latest tax credits and rebates unlocking savings for homeowners, there’s no better time to explore energy-efficient upgrades for your home. Trane offers several products that qualify for the 25C tax credit. For more information on cost and energy savings, including how to take advantage of the latest rebates, visit Trane’s credits, rebates, and offers page and contact a tax professional to confirm tax eligibility.
Trane is dedicated to making smarter choices for our environment every day, which is why we offer eco-friendly, electric, and hybrid home comfort solutions. Learn more about the world’s electrification trend and Trane’s efforts toward helping the environment. Mann Plumbing & Heating, LLC can find the best solution to suit your needs! Contact us today.
Everyone deserves to live in comfort. Your quality of life doesn’t need to break the bank. A new system may seem costly upfront, but the long term savings simply can’t be overlooked. Leave temporary fixes behind. Mann Plumbing offers up to 72 months financing with Wells Fargo. Contact us for more details.
Through our financing packages you may be eligible for the following:
Mon-Fri: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Emergency Service Available 24/7
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement
© 2025 All rights reserved.
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy
Accessibility Statement
© 2025 All rights reserved.