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 transferring heat instead of making it (the way a furnace does) which is why it also is used as a two way system. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but most air conditioners are roughly equivalent in terms of energy efficiency. Just examine these two high quality 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 crazy though, and the efficiency changes depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is a different standard that stands for “heating seasonal performance factor” and is unique to heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the system is at heating. Notice from these examples that as far as energy efficiency goes, air conditioners are about equal, if not superior depending on the system you choose. The greatest difference between heat pumps and ACs is that heat pumps can also heat your home while an AC only cools. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are much more effective in warm climates with less severe winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as a backup, such as with a geothermal system. We recommend a consultation with a ACE certified HVAC tech who has experience in your area before deciding on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your home, you could have unnecessarily high electric bills. Once the temperature drops 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 could start 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 stack up against a furnace? 

A furnace is a more robust heating system and is essential for certain cooler climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the temperature hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius. As odd as it sounds, during heating season, a heat pump is designed to remove heat from the outdoors and use it to heat the inside air. Even when it feels cold outside, there is still a sufficient amount of heat for the heat pump to operate correctly, but in exceptionally cold climates there is not ample heat available outside to increase the inside temperature high enough to stay warm. So while a heat pump may work perfectly during the heating season 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 you’re living in those colder climates without a furnace to kick in during freezing temperatures, a heat pump may run for hours trying to make your home warm enough for comfort. 

How to achieve maximum efficiency with your heat pump 

In many areas, heat pumps can function 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 native temperature to heat and cool. This is a wonderful alternative for specific northern climates, but additional land must be available in order to install the proper 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 understand the pros and cons of each heating and cooling system so you don’t end up purchasing a system that shuts down 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 available to answer any and all of your questions to make sure you choose the right option for your home.