Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner: Which One is Right for Cooling Your Home

Although heat is included in the name, you can use a heat pump for air conditioning. It works by moving heat instead of making it (the way a furnace does) which is why it also is used as a dual function system. It's true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but most air conditioners are similar in terms of energy efficiency. Just look at these two luxury level systems from Lennox.

What is SEER and HSPF?

SEER is an efficiency scale for air conditioning systems, and the higher the number, the more efficient it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not astounding however, and the efficiency changes depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is a different standard that stands for "heating seasonal performance factor" and is unique to heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the unit is at heating. We can see from these examples by looking at the SEER rating, air conditioners are almost equal, if not a little better depending on the system you choose. The greatest difference between heat pumps and ACs is that heat pumps can also add warmth to your home while an AC only cools.

Does climate matter for heat pumps?

Heat pumps are most effective in warmer climates with mild winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as a backup, such as with a geothermal system. We encourage you to consult with a ACE certified HVAC pro who has experience in your city before settling on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn't right for your climate, you could have extremely high electric bills. Once the temperature sinks too low, it's much harder for the heat pump to draw heat out of the air and it may never hit the temperature setting on your thermostat. This means you could end up running your heat pump non-stop or switching on emergency heat 24/7 during cold snaps which drives your energy consumption through the roof.

How does a heat pump stack up against a furnace?

A furnace is a more powerful heating system and is critical for certain cooler climates. That’s because a heat pump has issues when the temperature hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As peculiar as it may seem, during cold weather, a heat pump is purposed to extract heat from the outdoors and use it to heat the inside air. Even when it feels cold outside, there is still plenty of available heat for the heat pump to function well, but at exceptionally low temperatures there is not enough heat available outside to increase the inside temperature high enough to stay warm. So while a heat pump may be great during the winter months for someone in Tampa, someone living in upstate New York with a heat pump may also need a furnace for the more extreme temperatures. If freezing temperatures hit and you don’t have a furnace to take over, a heat pump could run for hours trying to keep your home warm enough.

How to achieve maximum efficiency with your heat pump

In many areas, heat pumps can work with geothermal systems, and the heating source is better for the environment because it is not burning fossil fuels and, instead, uses the Earth’s natural temperature to heat and cool. This is a fantastic alternative for specific northern areas, but more land must be available in order to install the essential piping for a geothermal system.

Just what you needed – one more thing to think about when it comes to your home comfort; but, remember, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each heating and cooling system so you don’t end up purchasing a system that turns off when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in multiple systems when one would suffice.

If you can’t decide which system would best fit your needs, call Stevenson Service Experts to schedule a free in-home quote. We are available to answer any and all of your questions to help you make the right decision for your home.