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 transferring heat instead of creating it (unlike furnaces) which is why it also is used as a dual function appliance. It’s true that heat pumps can be very efficient, but also know that most air conditioners are similar in terms of SEER rating. Just compare these two high quality cooling systems from Lennox. 

Air Conditioner
Heat Pump

What is SEER and HSPF? 

SEER is an efficiency scale for air conditioning systems, and the bigger the number, the better it is. The difference between 23.5 and 26 is not astounding however, and the efficiency differs depending on the model. On the other hand, HSPF is a rating system that stands for “heating seasonal performance factor” and is unique to heat pumps. It tells you how efficient the unit is at heating. Notice from these examples when comparing efficiency ratings, air conditioners are mostly equal, if not a little better depending on the model you choose. The largest difference between heat pumps and ACs is that heat pumps can also heat your home while an AC cannot. 

Does climate matter for heat pumps? 

Heat pumps are more effective in hotter 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 technician 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 gets too low, it’s much harder for the heat pump to draw heat out of the air and it may never warm your home to the temperature you set. 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 powerful heating system and is essential for certain cooler climates. That’s because a heat pump has difficulty when the temperatures hit about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, or 4.4 degrees Celsius. As peculiar as it may sound, during heating season, a heat pump is designed to remove 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 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 increase the inside temperature high enough 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 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 certain areas, heat pumps can work with geothermal systems, and the heating source is better for the environment since 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 additional land must be available in order to install the needed 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 purchasing a system that shuts down when extreme temperatures hit, or investing in multiple systems when one would suffice. 
 
If you’re not sure which system would work best for you, 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 decision for your home. 

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