What Is a Single Stage Heat Pump?

A single-stage heat pump has only one speed for heating and cooling.

Function

Because a single-stage heat pump cycles air at one speed, it can take longer if there is a dramatic temperature difference. Multi-stage heat pumps have the higher speed for this purpose.

Single-stage

A single-stage heat pump will have one setting for cooling and heating.

Multi-stage

A multi-stage heat pump will have two or more speeds, usually a high and a low speed setting.

Uses

Most domestic heat pumps are single-stage heat pumps. In climates with little temperature change over the year, this is best suited. Climates with more extreme temperature differences need the extra speed that multi-stage heat pumps provide to be more efficient.

Thermostats

Multi-stage thermostats are for multi-stage heat pumps while single-stage thermostats are for single-stage heat pumps