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 cooling. It works by moving heat instead of making it (furnaces burn fuel to generate heat) which is why it also 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 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 rating for air conditioners, and the higher the number, the better it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not crazy though, and the efficiency differs 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 unit is at heating. Notice from these examples that as far as energy efficiency goes, air conditioners are mostly equal, if not a little better depending on the model you choose. The largest 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 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 technician who has experience in your area before settling on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your climate, you could have unnecessarily high electric bills. Once the temperature gets too low, it’s difficult 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 winter which drives your energy consumption way up. 

How does a heat pump compare with a furnace? 

A furnace is a more powerful heating system and is critical for certain colder climates. That’s because a heat pump has trouble when the temperatures hit about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.4 degrees Celsius. As strange as it may sound, during heating season, a heat pump is intended to remove heat from the outdoors 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 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 work perfectly during the winter months for someone in Daytona Beach, 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 function 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 fantastic alternative for specific northern regions, but more land must be available in order to install the required 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 installing 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 complimentary 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.