Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioning: Performance Comparison Guide

Everyone is grappling with climbing energy costs as they search for energy-efficient heating and cooling options. Homeowners want to be comfortable in their houses without paying a fortune. For homeowners in need of a furnace or AC repair, installing a heat pump is an economical alternative that checks all the boxes.

For some, this means choosing the right heat pump system to provide heat during cooler temperatures, and it might mean choosing the right cooling system to combat soaring outdoor temperatures for others.

Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner: What Are the Differences?

Homeowners may debate whether to buy a heat pump vs ac. It is important to remember that most HVAC systems on the market today are incredibly efficient. A heat pump provides heating and cooling; it is all you need to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

An air conditioner provides only cooling. You can pair an AC system with a heating system, and people often use a furnace to provide heating when they have air conditioning systems.

Do Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Work in the Same Way?

Heat pumps and air conditioners cool your house in the same way. Both systems use a compressed refrigerant to remove the heat from the home. The hot air goes through a coil in the air handler, which blows it outside.

Heat Pump vs. AC: Which System Is Right for You?

Deciding between a heat pump vs. air conditioner can be difficult. There are several things you should consider.

The budget is always a concern when you upgrade your home. You can invest in a new HVAC system or only need a new air conditioner. Heat pump systems can start at $7000 and go as high as $13000. Air conditioning systems typically start at $5000 and go as high as $10000

A heat pump system will give you peace of mind. Homeowners will be confident that they will be warm and cozy when the outdoor temperature drops and nice and cool during the summer heat.

Homeowners must determine which system will be effective for keeping their house comfortable. You want to ensure that you are choosing a heating and cooling system that is energy efficient.

The design of your house may require many heat pumps, which means more energy to run them. You will need supplemental heat when the outdoor temperatures drop. The size of your home and your climate are important factors to consider.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

The heat pump is a heating and cooling system’s outdoor unit installed away from the home. During colder months, the heat pump works by pulling heat from the outside air and pumping it into your home.

The heating mode works well in moderate climates. Colder climates may require the addition of electric heat strips to the indoor fan coil for better heat pump efficiency. Homeowners should install a backup heat source in case of a power outage.

The heat pump will pull the hot air from inside your home and transfer it outside during the warmer months. Heat pumps operate with electricity, and they use a reversing valve to reverse the direction of the refrigerant, which determines whether it is in cooling or heating mode.

Pros of a Heat Pump

Heat pumps run on electricity rather than natural gas so that you can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your house. A sound HVAC system is much more efficient than electric baseboard heaters, and a heat pump is much more effective than a traditional air conditioning unit.

Your heat pump will require very little maintenance. Homeowners should clean the filters regularly, and you should have professionals clean and inspect your heat pump annually to ensure they are in good working order.

Cons of Heat Pump

There are some drawbacks when it comes to heat pumps. Homeowners often pay the cost upfront. Some heat pump installations can be challenging. The life expectancy of heat pumps is unsure, and it will depend on how much the heat pumps work.

Heat pumps work great during mild winters but are less effective when the temperatures drop. Many homes will need both a heat pump and an auxiliary electric heater to maintain warm air, and this additional heat source will require more energy to operate.

What Is Air Conditioning?

An air conditioning system removes the hot air and humidity inside your home. The air conditioner works to return cold air to your house, and the cooling mode transfers the hot air outside.

You can choose an air conditioner that cools one specific room or a central air conditioner that cools the entire house. Central air conditioning systems are more expensive, and they often require the installation of ducts. Central ac has an outdoor unit and an indoor air component that manages the cooling output.

Pros of Air Conditioning

Once you have air conditioning in your home, you likely will not go without it. Cooling systems are essential for good air quality, and air conditioners remove the humidity from the air, which helps with productivity. Most people enjoy a much better night’s sleep when their home is cool and comfortable.

Cons of Air Conditioning

Air conditioners tend to have moisture buildups that can contribute to the growth of mold and fungus, which can be blown into the outside air. It is essential to clean and maintain air conditioners so they don’t contribute to respiratory illness and ailments.

Energy Efficiency and Cost of Operation

The energy efficiency of both heat pumps, the geothermal and air source heat pumps, are far superior to air conditioners. The cost of operating heat pumps and air conditioners is relatively the same when they are in cooling mode. Consumers should look for the energy star symbol when shopping for a heat pump or an air conditioner.

When To Call Pros at Aquarius

The expert technicians at Aquarius can recommend the best heat pump or air conditioner for your house. They will know where to place the heat pump to maximize your heat energy. The technicians can also determine the best place to install central air units to guarantee the coolest results. The pros will help you choose a heat pump vs. an air conditioner.