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

Although heat is in the name, you can use a heat pump for AC. It works by transferring heat instead of making it (unlike furnaces) which is why it can be used as a dual function unit. It's true that heat pumps can be very efficient, although most air conditioners are about equal in terms of SEER rating. Just examine these two high quality systems from Lennox.

What is SEER and HSPF?

SEER is an efficiency scale for air conditioners, and the larger the number, the better 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 rating system that stands for "heating seasonal performance factor" and is unique to heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the unit is at heating. Notice from these examples that as far as energy effiency goes, air conditioners are about equal, if not even 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 only cools.

Does climate matter for heat pumps?

Heat pumps are much more effective in hotter climates with milder winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as an auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. We encourage you to consult with a ACE certified HVAC pro 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 extremely high electric bills. Once the temperature sinks too low, it's difficult for the heat pump to draw heat out of the air and it may never warm your home to the temperature you set. This means you could start running your heat pump non-stop or switching on emergency heat 24/7 during winter which drives your energy consumption way up.

How does a heat pump compare to a furnace?

A furnace is a stronger heating system and is critical for certain cooler climates. That’s because a heat pump has trouble when the temperature hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As weird as it sounds, during cooler temperatures, a heat pump is designed to remove heat from the outside air and use it to warm the inside air. Even when it feels cold outside, there is still an adequate amount of heat for the heat pump to work properly, but at exceptionally low temperatures there is not sufficient heat available outside to increase the inside temperature high enough to stay warm. So while a heat pump may be ideal during the winter months for someone in Orlando, 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 some areas, heat pumps can be used with geothermal systems, and the heating source is better for the environment since it is not burning fossil fuels and, instead, uses the Earth’s natural temperature to heat and cool. This is a great alternative for certain northern areas, but more land must be available in order to install the necessary piping for a geothermal system.

We know, we know – you didn’t need another thing to think about when it comes to 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 installing a system that doesn’t work when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in additional systems when one would suffice.

If you’re not sure which system would work best for you, call Orangutan Home Services to schedule a complimentary in-home quote. We are available to answer any and all of your questions to make sure you make the right choice for your home.