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 creating it (furnaces burn fuel to generate heat) which is why it also is used as a dual function unit. 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 look at these two top of the line units from Lennox. 

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency guideline for ACs, and the larger the number, the cheaper it is to operate. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not astounding though, and the efficiency changes depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is another scale that stands for “heating seasonal performance factor” and is designed to grade heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the equipment is at heating. You can tell from these examples when comparing efficiency ratings, air conditioners are about equal, if not superior depending on the system 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 much more effective in warmer climates with less severe winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as backups or auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. We encourage you to consult with a ACE certified HVAC pro who has experience in your city before deciding on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your area, you could have extremely 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 might start running your heat pump non-stop or switching on emergency heat 24/7 during colder months which drives your energy consumption up. 

How does a heat pump compare to a furnace? 

A furnace is a stronger heating system and is critical for certain chillier climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the temperature hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4.4 degrees Celsius. As odd as it may seem, during cooler temperatures, a heat pump is intended to extract heat from the outdoors and use it to warm the inside air. Just because the air outside feels cold, there is still an adequate amount of heat for the heat pump to operate correctly, but at exceptionally low temperatures there is not ample heat available outside to warm the inside air to higher temperatures needed to stay warm. So while a heat pump may work perfectly during the cooler temperatures for someone in Orlando, someone living in upstate New York with a heat pump would likely 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 work 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 native temperature to heat and cool. This is a great alternative for certain northern climates, 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 consider the pros and cons of each heating and cooling system so you don’t end up purchasing a system that turns off when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in additional 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 free in-home quote. We are happy to answer any and all of your questions to ensure you choose the right option for your home.