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 cooling. It works by transferring heat instead of generating it (unlike furnaces) which is why it also is used as a two way appliance. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, although most air conditioners are similar in terms of their efficiency. Just look at these two top of the line cooling systems from Lennox. 

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency scale for ACs, and the higher the number, the better it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not crazy however, and the efficiency differs depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is a rating system that stands for “heating seasonal performance factor” and is unique to heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the equipment is at heating. You can tell from these examples by looking at the SEER rating, air conditioners are mostly equal, if not a little better depending on the model you choose. The greatest difference between heat pumps and ACs is that heat pumps can also warm up your home while an AC cannot. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are much more effective in hotter climates with mild winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as an auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. You should speak with a ACE certified HVAC technician who has experience in your area before deciding on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your home, you could have very high electric bills. Once the temperature drops too low, it’s difficult 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 unknowingly begin 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 critical for certain colder climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the weather hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As strange as it may sound, during heating season, a heat pump is intended to extract heat from the outdoors and use it to heat the inside air. Just because the air outside feels cold, there is still a sufficient amount of heat for the heat pump to operate correctly, but in exceptionally cold climates there is not enough heat available outside to warm the inside air to higher temperatures needed to stay warm. So while a heat pump may be ideal during the cooler temperatures for someone in Orlando, someone living in upstate New York with a heat pump would probably 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 function with geothermal systems, and the heating source is better for the environment as it is not burning fossil fuels and, instead, uses the Earth’s native temperature to heat and cool. This is a great alternative for certain northern climates, but additional 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 understand the pros and cons of each heating and cooling system so you don’t end up purchasing a system that shuts down 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a complimentary in-home quote. We are happy to answer any and all of your questions to ensure you make the right choice for your home.