4 Reasons to Choose a Modulating AC or Heat Pump

Temperature and Humidity

Originally published on August 19, 2014

Do you have hot and/or cold spots in your home?

Finding a way to evenly manage temperature and humidity control are two main advantages of a modulating system. While a fixed speed system can only run at full speed, a modulating system can have two or more speeds. In terms of temperature control, this means a modulating system will provide consistent air conditioning that is commensurate with the need in the home, as opposed to a fixed speed’s just turning on or off. Rooms that receive the least airflow often have these hot or cold spots which the modulating systems help even out.

Are you too warm or cold while sleeping?

Another instance of consistent airflow impacting quality of life is during the night when comfort can directly relate to the ability to sleep. A fixed speed system can cause a homeowner to be both too hot and too cold, depending on whether the system is cycling on or off.  Conversely, a modulating system can provide a longer-lasting and less intense airflow, which keeps rooms at a more precise temperature and allows the homeowner to have better comfort control while they sleep, with fewer cycles than a fixed speed unit.

Have you ever gotten a “clammy” or a “sticky” sensation from the air at home?

In terms of comfort, humidity increases how warm an environment feels and may lead to the sensation of clamminess. Since modulating HVAC systems run more consistently, more air is cycled through the system, which removes moisture, and lower indoor humidity is achieved. Lower humidity allows the homeowner to raise the thermostat temperature, thereby saving energy.

Have you ever experienced issues with mold growth in the home?

In addition to how the air feels, high relative humidity can lead to mold growth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends to, “Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50 percent — all day long.” A fixed speed system allows relative humidity to go as high as 60 percent while modulating systems do not break 50 percent. Mold is harmful to the physical features of the home, in addition to human health; a modulating HVAC system prevents harmful mold growth by removing moisture from the air.

In the end, it comes down to what will best fit your home, preferred lifestyle, and budget. Keep in mind while modulating systems may have a higher upfront cost, there are energy savings and rebates to consider. Learn more about heat pump rebates and tax credits here.


Read Next: Advantages of Modulation: Modulating vs. Single and Two-Stage Furnaces

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37 thoughts on “4 Reasons to Choose a Modulating AC or Heat Pump

  1. I am considering solar and/or wind power for my home in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. I live on the beach facing the wind and salt. I am in the info collection stage? What questions should I ask and get responsive answers for. I have a friend who installs solar, but he isn’t “technically proficient” in engineering matters, unless answers are plain.
    Any magazines, articles, etc., you can recommend would be appreciated!

    Mike Hickey

    • I spoke with some friends who are into home solar energy and they suggested you check out http://floridaenergycenter.org/en/index.php. I spent some time on the site and it looks like it might have some helpful information for you. They also recommended Home Power Magazine and Mother Earth News. We are thinking of doing some articles on solar in the future so you might check back to our site in a few weeks. Good luck with your project.

    • Regis, I am sorry for the captcha resolution issues. I have had the same problems from time to time. I have noticed that I have better resolution on different browsers so that might help until we can look into it further. I am working on a response to your other questions.

  2. Most simple thermostats have two settings – one for cooling and one for heating. You will need to switch it to the mode you want – in this case “cooling”. Once you do that, there should be a way to adjust the desired temperature and also some sort of indicator for what the actual indoor temperature is currently. If you move or set the desired temperature below the actual temperature then the air conditioner should turn on and run until the desired temperature and actual temperature are the same. If you do this and nothing happens you will need to call somone – probably the landlord. If your thermostat is programable, it should have a “manual” or “hold temperature” mode. If you select that it should run like a simple thermostat (above) and you can run like that until you talk to the landlord to get further instructions. Hope this helps.

  3. We just moved into an apartment and there is a thermostat on the wall (can’t find model number). We have no idea how to use it as there isn’t a user manual. Do you have any manuals available to print off or view? It would be really nice to know as it is hotter inside than it is outside at the moment. Thanks.

  4. I am working as a HVAC Consultant in mumbai,maharastra state, india.

    I am in need of scroll compressors selecion on
    R-22 Refrigerant

    Reqest to arrange the same and oblige.

  5. My thermostat goes dark when I set it to 67 degrees at night, then after a while lights back up and reverts to 85 degrees. Sounds like a simple wire shortage. I hate to pay a service provider if I can go in and reconnect a wire. Can you give me some guidance on this?

    • That does not sound like a wiring issue. We suggest contacting the manufacture’s service line to see if there is a known issue with the model number you have or if there is a report out on something that would cause this problem. If it is White-Rodgers or Emerson Brand, you can call them at 888-725-9797.

  6. Usually you can just type that model number into your internet browser and you will get a list of businesses who can provide replacement parts. By the way, that particular product is made by another company, “Emerson Radio Corp” and is unrelated to “Emerson Climate Technologies”, the sponsor of this site.

  7. I have an older emerson window unit model number 12GT13 and I was inquiring as to whether or not there were replacement parts available.

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