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 cooling. It works by moving heat instead of creating it (furnaces burn fuel to generate heat) which is why it is used as a heating and cooling system. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but also know that most air conditioners are about equal in terms of energy efficiency. Just look at these two high quality systems from Lennox. 

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency scale for air conditioners, and the larger the number, the better it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not great however, and the efficiency varies 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. We can see from these examples by looking at the SEER rating, air conditioners are almost equal, if not a little better depending on the system you choose. The greatest difference between the two is that heat pumps can also add warmth to your home while an AC only cools. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are most effective in warmer climates with less severe winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as a backup, such as with a geothermal system. We encourage you to consult with a ACE certified HVAC pro who has experience in your area before deciding 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 difficult 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 might unknowingly begin running your heat pump non-stop or switching on emergency heat 24/7 during cold snaps which drives your energy consumption up. 

How does a heat pump compare with a furnace? 

A furnace is a more robust 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 (4.4 degrees Celsius. As weird as it seems, during cooler temperatures, a heat pump is intended to extract heat from the air outside and use it to raise the temperature of the inside air. Just because the air outside feels cold, there is still a sufficient amount of heat for the heat pump to function well, 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 great during the winter months 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 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 particular northern areas, but extra 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 two systems when one would suffice. 
 
If you still aren’t convinced which system is best for your home, 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 help you make the right choice for your home.