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 AC. It works by shifting heat instead of making it (the way a furnace does) which is why it can be used as a heating and cooling appliance. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, although most air conditioners are about equal in terms of SEER rating. Just compare these two top of the line units from Lennox. 

Air Conditioner
Heat Pump

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency scale for ACs, and the larger the number, the better it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not great however, 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 specially for heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the unit is at heating. Notice from these examples when comparing efficiency ratings, air conditioners are almost equal, if not even better depending on the system you choose. The greatest difference between heat pumps and ACs is that heat pumps can also warm up your home while an AC only cools. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are more effective in warmer climates with mild winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as backups or auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. We recommend a consultation with a ACE certified HVAC tech who has experience in your city before deciding on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your climate, you could have very high electric bills. Once the temperature drops too low, it’s near impossible 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 winter which drives your energy consumption up. 

How does a heat pump compare to a furnace? 

A furnace is a more robust heating system and is necessary for certain colder climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the weather hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius. As strange as it seems, during cold weather, a heat pump is designed to remove heat from the air outside and use it to heat the inside air. Just because the air outside feels cold, there is still a sufficient amount of heat for the heat pump to work properly, but at extremely low temperatures there is not sufficient heat available outside to warm the inside air to higher temperatures needed 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 you don’t have a furnace that kicks in when the freezing temperatures hit, the heat pump can 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 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 actual temperature to heat and cool. This is a wonderful alternative for specific northern climates, but extra land must be available in order to install the proper 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 installing a system that doesn’t work when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in additional systems when one would suffice. 
 
If you still aren’t convinced which system is best for your home, call Stevenson Service Experts to schedule a free in-home quote. We are happy to answer any and all of your questions to ensure you make the right choice for your home.