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 transferring heat instead of making it (the way a furnace does) which is why it also is used as a dual function appliance. It's true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but most air conditioners are about equal in terms of their efficiency. Just look at these two luxury level units from Lennox.

What is SEER and HSPF?

SEER is an efficiency guideline for air conditioning systems, and the higher the number, the better it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not astounding 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 designed to grade heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the system is at heating. You can tell from these examples by looking at the SEER rating, air conditioners are about equal, if not superior depending on the model you choose. The largest 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 more effective in warm climates with mild winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as an auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. We recommend a consultation with a ACE certified HVAC pro who has experience in your region before getting your heart set on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn't right for your area, you could have very high electric bills. Once the temperature sinks too low, it's much harder 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 start running your heat pump non-stop or switching on emergency heat 24/7 during winter which drives your energy consumption up.

How does a heat pump stack up against a furnace?

A furnace is a more powerful heating system and is essential for certain chillier climates. That’s because a heat pump has issues when the temperatures hit about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As peculiar as it may sound, during heating season, a heat pump is designed to pull heat from the outdoors and use it to raise the temperature of 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 work properly, but at exceptionally low temperatures 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 cooler temperatures for someone in Tampa, 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 certain 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 great alternative for specific 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 consider the pros and cons of each heating and cooling system so you don’t end up investing in 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 Norrell Service Experts to schedule a complimentary in-home quote. We are available to answer any and all of your questions to help you make the right decision for your home.