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 (furnaces burn fuel to generate heat) which is why it can be used as a dual function system. It's true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but most air conditioners are similar in terms of energy efficiency. Just look at these two luxury level systems from Lennox.

What is SEER and HSPF?

SEER is an efficiency scale for air conditioners, and the bigger the number, the more efficient it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not astounding however, and the efficiency varies depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is a different standard that stands for "heating seasonal performance factor" and is designed to grade heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the system is at heating. Notice from these examples by looking at the SEER rating, air conditioners are about equal, if not superior depending on the AC you choose. The largest difference between the two is that heat pumps can also heat your home while an AC can't.

Does climate matter for heat pumps?

Heat pumps are most effective in warmer climates with mild 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 tech 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 reach the temperature set by your thermostat. This means you could unknowingly begin 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 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 trouble when the temperature hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As odd as it may sound, during cooler temperatures, a heat pump is designed to pull heat from the air outside and use it to heat 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 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 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 some areas, heat pumps can work 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 native temperature to heat and cool. This is a wonderful alternative for particular northern regions, but more land must be available in order to install the essential piping for a geothermal system.

When it comes to home comfort, you probably didn’t need anything else to think about; 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 two systems when one would suffice.

If you still aren’t convinced which system is best for your home, call Calverley Service Experts to schedule a no-charge in-home quote. We are available to answer any and all of your questions to make sure you make the right decision for your home.