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 air conditioning. It works by moving heat instead of generating it (unlike furnaces) which is why it is used as a heating and cooling system. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, although most air conditioners are about equal in terms of energy efficiency. Just compare these two luxury level units from Lennox. 

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency scale for ACs, and the larger the number, the more efficient it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not great 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 unit is at heating. You can tell from these examples by looking at the SEER rating, air conditioners are mostly equal, if not even better depending on the AC you choose. The greatest difference between them 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 milder winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as a backup, 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 near impossible 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 colder months which drives your energy consumption way up. 

How does a heat pump compare with a furnace? 

A furnace is a more robust heating system and is necessary for certain colder climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the temperatures hit about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius. As unusual as it may sound, during heating season, a heat pump is purposed to extract heat from the outside air and use it to heat the inside air. Although it may be too cool outside for comfort, there is still plenty of available heat for the heat pump to work properly, but at extremely low temperatures there is not ample heat available outside to increase the inside temperature high enough 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 may 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 work 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 fantastic alternative for particular northern regions, but extra land must be available in order to install the needed 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 buying a system that shuts down when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in additional systems when one would suffice. 
 
If you can’t decide which system would best fit your needs, call Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to schedule a complimentary in-home quote. We are available to answer any and all of your questions to help you choose the right option for your home.