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 shifting heat instead of generating it (the way a furnace does) which is why it also is used as a dual function unit. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but also know that most air conditioners are about equal in terms of their efficiency. Just look at these two high quality systems from Lennox. 

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency rating for ACs, and the bigger the number, the cheaper it is to operate. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not great though, 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 equipment is at heating. Notice from these examples by looking at the SEER rating, air conditioners are mostly equal, if not superior depending on the model you choose. The largest difference between the two 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 backups or auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. You should speak 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 area, you could have extremely high electric bills. Once the temperature gets too low, it’s much harder 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 may start 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 compare with a furnace? 

A furnace is a more robust heating system and is critical for certain cooler climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the weather hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As odd as it sounds, during heating season, a heat pump is designed to pull heat from the outdoors and use it to warm 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 function well, but in exceptionally cold climates there is not ample heat available outside to heat the air inside to high enough temperatures needed to keep warm. So while a heat pump may work perfectly during the heating season for someone in Daytona Beach, someone living in upstate New York with a heat pump may 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 function 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 particular northern climates, but extra land must be available in order to install the required 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 review the pros and cons of each heating and cooling system so you don’t end up installing 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 free in-home quote. We are available to answer any and all of your questions to ensure you make the right decision for your home.