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 shifting heat instead of generating it (the way a furnace does) which is why it is used as a two way unit. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, although most air conditioners are similar in terms of SEER rating. Just compare these two top of the line cooling systems from Lennox. 

Air Conditioner
Heat Pump

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency guideline for air conditioning systems, and the higher the number, the more efficient it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not great however, and the efficiency changes depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is a rating system that stands for “heating seasonal performance factor” and is designed to grade heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the unit is at heating. You can tell from these examples that as far as energy efficiency goes, air conditioners are about equal, if not even better depending on the AC you choose. The biggest difference between them is that heat pumps can also add warmth to your home while an AC cannot. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are much more effective in warm climates with mild winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as backups or auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. We encourage you to consult with a ACE certified HVAC technician who has experience in your area before settling on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your climate, you could have very high electric bills. Once the temperature gets too low, it’s near impossible 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 may start running your heat pump non-stop or switching on emergency heat 24/7 during colder months which drives your energy consumption way up. 

How does a heat pump compare to a furnace? 

A furnace is a more robust heating system and is essential for certain cooler climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the temperatures hit about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4.4 degrees Celsius. As unusual as it seems, during cooler temperatures, a heat pump is intended to remove heat from the air outside and use it to heat the inside air. Although it may be too cool outside for comfort, there is still a sufficient amount of heat for the heat pump to work properly, but in exceptionally cold climates there is not enough heat available outside to heat the air inside to high enough temperatures needed to keep warm. So while a heat pump may be great during the winter months for someone in Daytona Beach, someone living in upstate New York with a heat pump would likely also need a furnace for the more extreme temperatures. If you don’t have a furnace that kicks in when the freezing temperatures hit, the heat pump can run for hours trying to keep your home warm enough. 

How to achieve maximum efficiency with your heat pump 

In certain 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 actual temperature to heat and cool. This is a wonderful alternative for specific northern regions, but extra land must be available in order to install the essential piping for a geothermal system. 
 
When it comes to home comfort, you probably didn’t need anything else to think about; but, remember, it’s important to review 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’re not sure which system would work best for you, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a free in-home quote. We are here to answer any and all of your questions to help you make the right decision for your home. 

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