Reciprocating Compressors: Our least expensive condensing units utilize reciprocating compressors. This compressor style is the workhorse of the air conditioning industry and has been used for many years. These compressors operate much like an automobile engine. They have one or more pistons driven from a crankshaft that is turned by a motor.

Scroll Compressors: Scroll compressors are the darling of the industry. Although the technology has been around since the early part of the 20th century, these compressors have just recently become popular. These compressors require only two parts to compress gas: a fixed scroll and orbiting scroll. Because of the lack of parts compared to a reciprocating compressor, the scroll compressor is 10 percent more efficient, is less likely to experience mechanical failure and operates both smoother and quieter. Scroll compressors have superior tolerance to liquid refrigerant, unlike reciprocating compressors which run the risk of “liquid slugging” (liquid slugging means that there is too much liquid refrigerant in the system which makes it inefficient). Scroll compressors can also handle debris and foreign matter without being damaged. Our scroll compressors are made by Copeland – an exceptional company, well known in the industry for producing highly engineered, solid compressors.

Hermetically Sealed: Both the reciprocating and scroll compressors are hermetic, meaning they are completely sealed. These compressors are small, compact and almost vibration- and noise-free. There is no crankshaft seal or belts that require replacement or adjustment. Hermetic compressors dominate the residential market because of their performance characteristics and high reliability.