Air Conditioners Versus Heat Pumps

Couple doing research on laptops about air conditioners.

You’re looking for a new heating-and-cooling system. As you may already be aware, two popular options are heat pumps and the air conditioner/furnace combination. Each system has its own list of benefits and setbacks. Below are some factors differentiating the two systems.

Mechanisms

During warm weather, air conditioners and heat pumps do more or less the same thing: pull heat out of the air and move it elsewhere to lower your home temperature. When it gets cool, heat pumps can generate hot air but air conditioners can’t.

Energy Usage

Heat pumps, especially geothermal heat pumps, use less energy than air conditioners. Air conditioners usually need to be paired with a furnace or boiler in regions with colder winters. Because heat pumps provide both the heating and the cooling, you’re only paying the bills for one unit.

Climate

The effectiveness of heat pumps largely depends on the climate where you live. For areas with very cold winters, a heat pump by itself is not be a safe bet. Heat pumps have trouble functioning when the weather outdoors is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They are ideal for more temperate climates.

Air conditioners, when paired with a furnace or boiler, are great for areas with snowy winters and hot summers. For this type of climate, you can also combine a furnace/boiler with a heat pump. This will offer more efficiency, although the heat pump may not provide as much cooling as you’d like in the summer.

Environmental Impact

A geothermal heat pump is the greenest HVAC system on the market. It uses natural warmth from the ground to heat and cool your home. In contrast, air conditioners often consume the most energy out of any appliance in your house. Overuse of your air conditioner leads to increased carbon emissions.

For one-on-one advice in your quest for heating and cooling, call Comfort Services, Inc., at 910-695-2665. Our Comfort Services, Inc., team specializes in the installation and maintenance of HVAC systems. We’re proud to service Pinehurst, NC, and its surrounding communities.

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