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By Jesus Sanchez Garcia Updated February 6, 2024 Automotive Water Pump BMW
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When choosing a home HVAC system , most homeowners opt for a heat pump or an air conditioning (AC) system. Heat pumps offer heating and cooling options throughout the year, while air conditioners maintain cooler temperatures during warmer months.
If you’re having trouble deciding between the two systems, we’ve created this guide to help you choose. Below, we compare the benefits, costs, and energy efficiency of a heat pump vs. an AC.
Heat pumps are HVAC systems that regulate indoor temperatures by pumping air in and out of your home. Heat pumps move hot air outside to cool rooms in warmer months; in cooler temperatures, they use a reversing valve to switch from cooling to heating. When switched, the system pulls warm air from outside to heat your home. Heat pumps work even in frigid temperatures. When outdoor temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, auxiliary heat turns on to add additional warmth to your home.
Homeowners can choose from three types of heat pumps for their houses. Air-source heat pumps are the most common. Geothermal heat pumps use the ground beneath your foundation as their heat source, while water-source heat pumps require a nearby body of water, such as a pond, to source their heat.
Air conditioning provides cool air to a home during warm seasons. They work by taking in warm outside air and cooling it with compressed refrigerant gas. The gas evaporates the heat and moves the air through the ducts and vents. The newly cooled air is circulated through your home in a continuous cycle to cool it effectively. Air conditioners also filter the circulated indoor air , removing allergens and improving air quality.
There are different types of AC units to fit each homeowner ’s needs. Window AC units provide cooling to small rooms, while central air conditioners cool whole homes. Split AC units have indoor and outdoor units , require no ductwork , and can be installed in one or multiple rooms. Portable AC units are great solutions for homeowners that don’t need a permanent installation. You could also choose a geothermal or swamp AC unit as an alternative to central AC .
Air conditioning systems only provide cool air and have no home heating options. To warm your home, you must invest in a separate unit, such as a furnace.
Heat pumps and air conditioners are two popular home cooling systems . They both use refrigerant to cool air and function with electricity. However, their modes of operation differ. While heat pumps offer home heating and cooling options, AC systems are limited to home cooling . Heat pumps make excellent energy-saving options and help lower utility bills over time. On the other hand, AC units require less money upfront to purchase.
Deciding between these two systems comes down to your desired energy efficiency , climate, and budget. We’ve compared several key factors below to help you decide which option is best for your home.
Below is an overview of the rating systems used for heat pumps and AC units , plus details on each one’s efficiency.
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) represents a cooling system ’s energy efficiency . SEER ratings are calculated by dividing the total amount of heat removed from a house by the total energy consumed by the cooling system . The higher the SEER rating , the better the energy efficiency , which translates to better long-term savings. You can compare the SEER ratings for both types of systems to find the most efficient options.
You’ll also want to check your heat pump ’s heat efficiency—displayed as Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)—with the new standard designated HSPF2. This measurement represents the heat pump ‘s efficiency while in heating mode . The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the heat pump .
Heat pumps and air conditioners are equally efficient in terms of cooling. Both types of units remove humidity and heat from the air to cool homes.
Newer models of heat pumps are more efficient than using natural gas for heating, but this isn’t true in all climates. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), air-source heat pumps can reduce electricity usage for heating by up to 65% when compared to electric resistance heating such as furnaces and baseboard heaters. However, in extremely cold conditions, the auxiliary heat turns on and this reduces the cost savings. Additionally, the electricity required to deice the heat pump can lower its energy efficiency.
Both heat pumps and air conditioning systems come in Energy Star-rated models, indicating better efficiency. Energy-efficient units cost more than standard units but offer better energy cost savings over time.
The life spans of heat pumps and AC systems differ due to their frequency of use. AC units typically last 15 to 20 years, depending on their upkeep and maintenance. These systems last longer since they only operate in warm months.
Heat pumps could last just 15 years since they run year-round . This life expectancy varies by region. For example, both systems last longer in cooler climates but have shorter life spans in warmer areas.
Neglecting your heat pump or air conditioning system will impact its overall performance and life span . Both systems require regular maintenance to cool or heat your home effectively. An HVAC professional should handle any annual or semiannual maintenance.
The cost to operate a heat pump will depend in part on the location and climate in which you live. Heat pumps generally function better in moderate climates but are less efficient in cold temperatures. Residents in mild climates won’t need to run the system year-round, which will increase its life span. In addition, using heat pumps in freezing temperatures won’t offer the same energy efficiency because auxiliary heat sources are necessary. Additionally, cold-climate air source heat pumps are an emerging option that utilizes newer technology adapted for climate zones 5+. If you can find this type of heat pump, you might be able to combat freezing temperatures using a heat pump.
In contrast, air conditioners work better in warm climates since they help maintain cooler temperatures throughout your home. ACs will work harder in extremely high temperatures, putting more stress on the unit and shortening its life expectancy. Since AC units only offer cool air , they aren’t useful for homeowners in colder environments.
A heat pump costs more upfront than an air conditioner . On average, heat pumps cost about $4,200 to $7,600, including installation fees. Your final price will depend on your home’s size and the system design. Ductwork installation will add $3,000 to $7,500 to your final cost. Or, you could opt for a ductless mini-split system instead.
The type of heat pump you choose will also affect its price. Geothermal heat pumps work best in most climates and offer excellent energy efficiency . However, they carry the highest price tag, with costs ranging from $6,000 to $20,000. Air-source heat pumps provide a more economical heating and cooling solution, costing between $4,500 and $8,000.
Additionally, you may qualify for federal, state, and local incentives and rebates with a heat pump system . These incentives vary by location and type of heat pump unit. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for incentives in your area.
In contrast, AC installation costs between $3,800 and $7,500. Since air conditioning only offers a cooling mode , you’ll need to invest in an additional heating system for winter months. Adding a furnace could cost $2,807 to $6,783, on average. Electric furnaces run between $2,000 and $7,000, with propane options slightly higher at $3,000 to $6,000. Natural gas furnaces —the most common types used in most homes—can cost as high as $10,000.
Homeowners should consider long-term energy efficiency , climate, and overall HVAC budget when deciding between a heat pump or an AC unit .
Installing a heat pump or air conditioner requires seasoned experience with HVAC units and electrical wiring. An improper installation could result in reduced efficiency, poor insulation, or electrical issues. To avoid complications, we recommend hiring a professional HVAC technician to perform the installation.
Heat pump installation requires knowledge of various units, setup, and proper calibration to ensure the system runs at peak performance. In addition, many companies require a licensed professional to install the product or its warranty is voided.
You’ll deal with heavy equipment, lots of manual labor, and complicated systems when installing an air conditioner . These installations also require special certifications that the typical do-it-yourselfer won’t have. Similar to heat pump manufacturers, air conditioner companies prefer installation by licensed technicians to maintain warranty coverage.
Consider hiring a licensed professional through your HVAC company or a local HVAC company to complete your system installation.
Both heat pumps and air conditioners offer excellent home heating and cooling solutions. Their differences lie in their cold air delivery methods, energy efficiency, and system options. However, when either option has the same compressor, refrigerant, outdoor air temperature, and humidity, then their efficiency is the same.
Heat pumps transfer air into and out of your home to achieve ideal internal temperatures. This process is more energy-efficient than an air conditioner’s and offers warm and cool air solutions. You’ll invest more upfront for a heat pump but may qualify for additional savings via local incentives and rebates.
Air conditioners are more affordable and offer easier, full-home cooling. They work well in the summer but don’t offer heating solutions for the winter. You’ll need to invest in additional heating solutions to warm your home.
When deciding between heat pumps and AC units, homeowners should consider their HVAC budget, heating and cooling needs, climate, and potential energy savings.
Heat pumps and AC units offer great home cooling solutions. While heat pumps also offer heating during winter months, AC units provide cool air only. You’ll need to pair your AC unit with a separate heating system to warm your home during cooler months. Heat pumps offer more energy-saving solutions, while air conditioners are more cost-effective and require a lower initial investment.
Some downsides to a heat pump include reduced heating abilities in freezing weather and a higher price point than an air conditioner. In addition, a heat pump has a lower life span since it provides heating and cooling capabilities year-round.
The main difference between an AC and a heat pump is their functionality. An AC provides cooling solutions during warm months. However, a heat pump offers both heating and cooling for a home throughout the year. You’ll need to add a heating source to an AC to provide a complete heating and cooling experience.
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