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 AC. It works by shifting heat instead of making it (unlike furnaces) which is why it is used as a dual function system. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but also know that most air conditioners are about equal in terms of SEER rating. Just examine these two top of the line units from Lennox. 

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency rating for ACs, 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 specially for heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the system is at heating. We can see from these examples when comparing efficiency ratings, air conditioners are almost equal, if not even better depending on the model you choose. The greatest difference between the two is that heat pumps can also add warmth to your home while an AC can’t. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are most effective in warmer climates with less severe 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 pro who has experience in your city before settling on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your area, you could have unnecessarily high electric bills. Once the temperature sinks too low, it’s near impossible for the heat pump to draw heat out of the air and it may never reach the temperature set by your thermostat. This means you might end up running your heat pump non-stop or switching on emergency heat 24/7 during cold snaps which drives your energy consumption way up. 

How does a heat pump compare with a furnace? 

A furnace is a more powerful heating system and is essential for certain chillier climates. That’s because a heat pump has trouble when the temperature hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As odd as it may sound, during cooler temperatures, a heat pump is purposed to extract heat from the air outside and use it to raise the temperature of the inside air. Just because the air outside feels cold, there is still plenty of available heat for the heat pump to operate correctly, but at extremely 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 heating season 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 some areas, heat pumps can be used 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 natural temperature to heat and cool. This is a fantastic alternative for certain northern areas, 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 review the pros and cons of each heating and cooling system so you don’t end up installing a system that turns off when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in multiple systems when one would suffice. 
 
If you’re not sure which system would work best for you, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule a no-charge in-home quote. We are here to answer any and all of your questions to help you choose the right option for your home.