Quote:
Originally Posted by retiredguy123
Good points. The construction industry is very resistant to changes. One reason is that they have been burned. Do you remember the polybutylene pipe lawsuits, and the aluminum wiring lawsuits? Houses are still constructed using 2x4 wood studs, drywall, and asphalt shingles. Personally, I can accept newer designs, but when I replace a major item in my house, I consider the impact of having something fail and the availability of replacement materials and the labor to install it. One reason that I would not buy a variable speed heat pump is that it only represents about 5 percent of the new replacement market. If it was 50 percent, I might buy one. To me, the potential benefits do not outweigh the tried and true system. I know that I can get a single stage heat pump repaired almost immediately in The Villages, which is very important when you have no air conditioning. My opinion.
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Varable speed compressors are almost as common as single stage in new installations. (commerical and residential).
I agree there are more means of failure but most can be repaired and on average they last significantly longer than single stage.
Staged compressors
Electrical Stress:
High inrush current puts thermal and magnetic stress on windings and contactors, which can lead to insulation breakdown over time.
Mechanical Stress:
Sudden high torque causes shock loads on mechanical components (compressor shaft, bearings, mounts).
North America HVAC Compressor Market Size Report, 2030