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 air conditioning. It works by shifting heat instead of making it (furnaces burn fuel to generate heat) which is why it can be used as a dual function system. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, although most air conditioners are roughly equivalent in terms of energy efficiency. Just look at these two top of the line systems from Lennox. 

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency rating for air conditioning systems, and the higher the number, the more efficient it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not astounding however, and the efficiency changes depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is a rating system that stands for “heating seasonal performance factor” and is specially for heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the equipment is at heating. We can see from these examples when comparing efficiency ratings, air conditioners are mostly equal, if not superior depending on the model you choose. The biggest difference between the two is that heat pumps can also heat your home while an AC only cools. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are most effective in hotter climates with milder winters, save for some integrated systems that use heat pumps as an auxiliary, such as with a geothermal system. You should speak with a ACE certified HVAC tech who has experience in your area before getting your heart set on a heat pump. If the equipment just isn’t right for your climate, you could have unnecessarily 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 hit the temperature setting on your thermostat. This means you could unknowingly begin 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 critical for certain colder climates. That’s because a heat pump has trouble when the temperature hits about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4.4 degrees Celsius. As unusual as it may sound, during cold weather, a heat pump is purposed to extract heat from the air outside and use it to warm the inside air. Although it may be too cool outside for comfort, there is still plenty of available heat for the heat pump to operate correctly, but at extremely low temperatures there is not enough heat available outside to warm the inside air to higher temperatures needed to stay warm. So while a heat pump may be great 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 freezing temperatures hit and you don’t have a furnace to take over, a heat pump could run for hours trying to keep your home warm enough. 

How to achieve maximum efficiency with your heat pump 

In some areas, heat pumps can be used with geothermal systems, and the heating source is better for the environment because it is not burning fossil fuels and, instead, uses the Earth’s native temperature to heat and cool. This is a great alternative for particular northern regions, but extra land must be available in order to install the essential 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 buying a system that shuts down when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in multiple systems when one would suffice. 
 
If you still aren’t convinced which system is best for your home, call Parker Pearce Service Experts to schedule a free in-home quote. We are here to answer any and all of your questions to make sure you make the right decision for your home.