--- title: "Air Conditioning 101: Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Variable Speed Air Conditioning Units" description: Learn about the differences between single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed air conditioning units. image: https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/air-conditioner.png --- 80 Gemat Cir, Rifle, CO 81650 | [970.963.6563](tel:9709636563) [![Pacific-Logo](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/Pacific-Logo.svg "Pacific-Logo")](https://www.pacificsheetmetal.net/) - [Services](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services) - [Architectural Metals](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/architectural-metals) - [Electrical](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/electrical) - [Gutters](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/gutters) - [HVAC](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/heating-cooling) - [Maintenance & Repair](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/maintenance-repair) - [Plumbing](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/colorado-plumbing-services) - [Roofing](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/roofing) - [Snow Retention and Ice Dam Prevention](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/snow-retention-ice-dam-prevention) - [Waterproofing](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/waterproofing) - [Water treatment](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/services/water-treatment) - [Resources](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/resources) - [Blog](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog) - Guides - [FAQs](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/resources/faq) - [Planned Maintenance Program](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/resources/planned-maintenance-program) - [Photo Gallery](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/resources/gallery) - [About Us](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/about-us) - [Service Areas](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/about-service-areas) - [Contact](https://3295439.hs-sites.com/contact) # Air Conditioning 101: Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Variable Speed Air Conditioning Units August 10, 2021 by [Joey Haack](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/author/joey-haack) [![](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/linkedin-icon.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?url=https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/types-of-air-conditioning-units) ![](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/twitter-icon.svg) [![](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/facebook-icon.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/types-of-air-conditioning-units) ![technician-servicing-air-conditioner](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hs-fs/hubfs/air-conditioner.png?width=571&name=air-conditioner.png) [Quality air conditioning](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/upgrade-heating-and-cooling-system) is a non-negotiable for your home. There are many features and [components](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/how-does-my-air-conditioner-work) to consider when it comes to choosing an air conditioning unit, including the various speed options. ## What types of units are available? ### Single Stage Most homes have a single-stage compressor air conditioner because these were the standard units for decades. Single-stage compressors turn on and off throughout the day to maintain a consistent temperature. A single-stage compressor only has one speed, meaning that it is either fully on or fully off.   ### Two Stage Two-stage compressors have two speeds: high and low. The two speeds allow it to run at full capacity when it’s needed and at a lower capacity when it’s not needed. While it doesn’t run continuously at full speed, it doesn’t turn completely off like a single-stage compressor does.   ### Variable Speed Variable-speed units run continuously at a variety of speeds. A variable-speed compressor adjusts its speed according to what’s needed to cool your home at any given time. Compared to single- and two-stage units, a variable-speed unit will provide more even cooling.   ## How do you choose a unit? ### Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is a large determining factor when choosing an air conditioner. An energy-efficient unit helps keep your utility bills low. A single-stage compressor is the least energy efficient because it takes a lot of power to run at 100% and completely turn off and on. Variable-speed compressors, on the other hand, are the most energy efficient because they steadily use small amounts of power. When evaluating units, look for a high [SEER rating](https://www.bobvila.com/articles/what-is-a-seer-rating/) to be sure that you are choosing the most energy-efficient option.   ### Cost Cost can be a main consideration when shopping for a new air conditioner. Two-stage and variable-speed units have higher purchase prices because they are more complex machines. It’s important to consider overall cost, however, and a single-stage unit will cost the most to operate.   ### Repair Costs Another cost to consider is that of [repairs](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/red-flags-telling-you-its-time-to-repair-your-air-conditioner). Much like the initial cost, the cost of repairs are typically higher with units that are less common and more complex. Single-stage units are very common and easier to repair than more efficient units. When you keep up on [regular maintenance on your HVAC units](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/why-is-it-important-to-have-regular-maintenance-on-my-hvac-system), however, you can minimize repair costs by keeping all components in top shape and catching issues early, before they have a chance to grow into major problems. For more tips on air conditioning units, subscribe to our blog! 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December 12, 2023 [Quality air conditioning](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/upgrade-heating-and-cooling-system) is a non-negotiable for your home. There are many features and [components](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/how-does-my-air-conditioner-work) to consider when it comes to choosing an airfalse [Read More](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/do-ductless-air-conditioners-need-ventilation) [maintenance](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/topic/maintenance) [home improvements](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/topic/home-improvements) ##### Local vs Out-of-State Contractors: Why Western Colorado Homeowners Choose Pacific March 26, 2026 [Quality air conditioning](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/upgrade-heating-and-cooling-system) is a non-negotiable for your home. There are many features and [components](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/how-does-my-air-conditioner-work) to consider when it comes to choosing an airfalse [Read More](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/local-vs-out-of-state-contractors-why-western-colorado-homeowners-choose-pacifi) [maintenance](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/topic/maintenance) [home improvements](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/topic/home-improvements) ##### How to Repair Water Damage From a Roof Leak December 19, 2023 [Quality air conditioning](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/upgrade-heating-and-cooling-system) is a non-negotiable for your home. There are many features and [components](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/how-does-my-air-conditioner-work) to consider when it comes to choosing an airfalse [Read More](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/repair-roof-leak-water-damage) [maintenance](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/topic/maintenance) [home improvements](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/topic/home-improvements) [![pacific-orange](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/2019%20Rebrand/pacific-orange.svg)](https://www.pacificsheetmetal.net/) **We stand behind all our work 100%.** #### Contact Us 80 Gemat Cir, Rifle, CO 81650 Phone: [970.963.6563](tel:9709636563) Fax: [970.963.6564](tel:9709636564) - [![](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/icon-fb-01.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/Pacific-Sheet-Metal-Inc-787436647968930/) - [![](https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/icon-in-01.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/pacific-sheet-metal-inc-/) Copyright 2026 Pacific Sheet Metal | All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://www.pacificsheetmetal.net/privacy-policy)  ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Joey Haack", "url" : "https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/author/joey-haack" }, "dateModified" : "2021-08-10T20:15:00.543Z", "datePublished" : "2021-08-10T20:15:00.000Z", "headline" : "Air Conditioning 101: Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Variable Speed Air Conditioning Units", "image" : [ "https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/air-conditioner.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/types-of-air-conditioning-units", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/hubfs/Pacific-Logo.svg" }, "name" : "Pacific Sheet Metal" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Joey Haack" }, "dateModified" : "2021-08-10", "datePublished" : "2021-08-10", "description" : "Learn about the differences between single-stage, two-stage, and variable-speed air conditioning units.", "headline" : "Air Conditioning 101: Single-Stage, Two-Stage, and Variable Speed Air Conditioning Units", "image" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent30.net/hubfs/3295439/air-conditioner.png", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.pacificsheetmetal.net/blog/types-of-air-conditioning-units", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.pacificsheetmetal.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Pacific-Logo.svg" }, "name" : "Pacific Sheet Metal" } } ```