Does a Heat Pump Cool as Well as an Air Conditioner? A Guide
One of the most frequent questions about heat pumps is whether they genuinely and adequately cool a house. The short answer is yes, they do, and we’ll get into the details below. Because, though the name suggests otherwise, a heat pump doesn’t just heat; it cools, too!
If you’re considering replacing your outdated or inefficient HVAC system with a newer, more energy-efficient one, the pros at Iceberg Home Services can help you decide if a heat pump is your best choice.
Contact the team today by calling (863) 223-1849 to discuss whether a heat pump is the right choice for your Central Florida home.
What Is a Heat Pump?
Heat pumps have been used for decades to cool homes by simply removing heat from the interior and transferring it outside. They reverse the process to heat homes.
Components of a heat pump include:
- A compressor that moves refrigerant through the systems.
- Condenser and evaporator coils that coil or heat the air.
- A reversing valve to change the refrigerant flow.
- Thermostatic expansion valves for refrigerant regulation.
- An accumulator that adjusts to seasonal needs.
- Refrigerant lines that connect outdoor and indoor components.
- Air ducts that allow the flow of hot or cold air.
A heat pump can be just as efficient for cooling during the summer as an AC unit, assuming it is SEER-rated like the air conditioner. In milder climates, like Polk County, heat pumps are more efficient for heating during the winter, so investing in one unit for cooling and heating can reduce your overall system costs.
Air Conditioner vs. Heat Pump: What To Know
Heat pumps and air conditioners are virtually the same regarding how they function. What makes them distinct is that an air conditioner only cools a space; a heat pump heats and cools your home. Plus, ACs are typically purchased together with a furnace.
Choosing between an AC system and a heat pump depends on your heating and cooling needs. When deciding which system to buy, consider these factors:
- Cost: You can expect more upfront costs when purchasing and installing a heat pump. However, investing in a heat pump can help you save substantially on energy costs over the long term, as heat pumps don’t use gas or electricity to heat or cool the air.
- Cooling efficiency: Heat pumps and AC units both use refrigerant to cool a room, and each has its own method of transferring warm interior air to the outdoors. Interestingly, heat pumps and air conditioners are nearly identical in terms of efficiency and energy costs.
- Life span: Many factors affect a heat pump’s longevity, but there are a few reliable standards. For instance, heat pumps can have a shorter life span than a central air conditioner, as they run continuously year-round. However, even if you need to replace a heat pump sooner than you would an AC unit, its overall energy savings tend to offset the cost.
Finally, if you invest in regular heat pump maintenance, you can keep your unit performing at its peak for years. The maintenance is like an air conditioner and includes cleaning the coils, checking the refrigerant levels, and inspecting the electrical system once or twice a year.
Call (863) 223-1849 or contact us online to learn more about the differences between heat pumps and AC systems.
Why Choose Iceberg Home Services?
Iceberg Home Services specializes in HVAC services, including air conditioning and heat pump installation. Our experienced team of technicians is ready to help you determine which system will work best in your home. Don’t choose between the two systems without consulting our team of professionals — we’re here to help you make the best choice!
Are you ready to install a heat pump at your Polk County, FL, home or business? Contact the Iceberg Home Services team online or call us at (863) 223-1849.
TODAY!