With the many different choices available in air conditioning units today, buyers have more options – and questions – than ever before. And many buyers face the choice of buying either a conventional or variable speed unit.

What Is a Variable Speed AC Unit?

The term “variable speed” refers to the motor that controls the air handler inside the air conditioner. The air handler directs the hot and cold air through the unit to parts of your home. While a conventional unit moves the air at one constant pace, a variable speed unit can move the air at a wide range of different speeds. This allows the unit to more precisely control how much cool air is being pumped through your home.

Why Is a Variable Speed AC Unit Effective?

Variable speed units may cost more than units that have conventional motors. So why would you choose one over a standard unit? There are many benefits to using a variable speed motor, which can more than offset the initial cost.

Savings

Conventional motors need to operate at one constant high speed, even if the pace isn’t needed. Because a variable speed motor can speed up and slow down as needed, it uses far less energy, which translates to lower energy bills. In fact, the savings will probably end up paying for the unit far before it reaches the end of its lifespan.

Higher SEER Numbers

SEER numbers refer to an AC unit’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, and all AC units have one. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient your unit and the lower your energy bills. For every point in SEER, you lower your bill by about 10 percent. Variable speed units are more energy efficient, which means they have higher SEER ratings — and you pocket the difference.

Zoning

If you have a home with more than one level, you might want to consider having your home zoned. Zoning lets you shut off your AC to specific areas of the home without the problems that closing your vents will bring. Variable speed units are ideal for zoning your home, because they can handle larger or smaller loads without strain.

Better Air Quality

A variable speed unit lets you operate the fan all by itself while the rest of the unit remains off. This slowly circulates the air through your home, catching any particulates inside the filter and providing you with much cleaner and better quality air.

Humidity Control

Some variable speed units have what is called ComfortSense. ComfortSense allows the unit to better control the humidity levels in your home by letting you set the humidity at the thermostat. This is helpful for days when it may not be terribly hot outside, but the air is very humid due to a storm. By controlling your temperature and humidity control separately, you get better comfort inside your home, while still using less energy than a conventional unit.

Longer Lasting Unit

Units with variable speed motors don’t work as hard as conventional motors. This means that the motor will last longer, and potentially need fewer repairs. This translates into even greater savings because you won’t have to budget in a replacement unit nearly as quickly.

Make the Switch

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioning unit, make the better choice and switch to a unit with a variable speed motor. While the upfront costs of the unit may be higher than one with a conventional motor, you’ll be saving enough each month over the life of the unit to more than pay for the difference. Make the switch to a variable speed unit and gain greater comfort inside your home.

Stefanie Miles works for Precision Air and Heating, helping educate people about their HVAC, plumbing and home performance needs. Follow Precision Air and Heating on Google Plus.