Depending on how many zones are calling, you may need different capacity. If you are only calling for dehumidification you may want lower compressor capacity and air flow. Carrier doesn’t agree with you because their Infinity systems have variable speed compressors and air handlers. I had their system for 10 years in a ranch - worked great. It ran at half speed (back when they were using the 2 speed Bristol compressors) most of the time but did kick into full speed for a while each afternoon in the summer. The air handler changed speeds quite frequently as zones opened and closed through the day to maintain temperatures. One of the goals is to have the system running continuously and a variable speed compressor makes this more likely. Cycling is hard on equipment and inefficient. The same principle holds with the mini-split on my lanai. The compressor can run anywhere from 25 to 100% of its nominal capacity. As such, the compressor doesn’t cycle hardly at all.
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Originally Posted by retiredguy123
You can achieve zoning with electronic air flow dampers, but you will lose some air flow in the warmer zones. But, I don't see how a multi-speed compressor or air handler would help much because the compressor can only run at one speed at a time. Personally, I don't think multi-speed compressors have much benefit in a one story house in Florida.
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