Understanding the difference and choosing which one is right for you
If a new HVAC system is in your home’s future, we have good news. There are more choices out there than ever.
Before you go shopping for specific models, you’ll need to choose whether a heat pump or a traditional air conditioner-based system is right for your home and climate. There are many factors to consider when making that choice.
In this article we’ll explore their differences and the benefits and drawbacks of each – and equip you to make an educated decision when the time comes to make your purchase.
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is a type of central HVAC system that works like an all-in-one cooling and heating system – and in some climates, without the need for a separate furnace. Heat pumps also operate on electricity, eliminating the need for natural gas.
While heat pumps use a similar refrigerant cycle as air conditioners, a heat pump is capable of reversing that cycle, allowing it to not only cool your home, but heat it as well. During the warm summer months, a heat pump does the job of an air conditioner by pulling heat from inside your home and transferring it outside. When the weather cools, the process is reversed, and heat is collected from the outside air and transferred indoors.
Key Benefits of a Heat Pump
While heat pumps are at their most efficient in moderate to warm climates, there are models available with advanced technologies that increase their range of efficiency and performance. These additional advanced technologies allow the unit to continue operating when temperatures get especially low – making them a viable choice for colder climates as well.
Choosing a heat pump also gives you the flexibility to install what’s called a dual-fuel system. This is a heat pump-based system that also has a traditional gas furnace. The heat pump handles your comfort needs most of the year, with the system switching to the gas furnace when temperatures get particularly low – usually under about 35°F/2°C. This provides the best of both technologies, using each only when they are most beneficial.
Dual-function design and electric power make a heat pump a highly efficient and environment-friendly choice in the right climate. Learn more about the heat pumps and their benefits. If you think you might be interested in a Lennox heat pump, explore our heat pump selection.
What is an Air Conditioner?
Air conditioners are the cooling component of an HVAC system consisting of a furnace or an, air handler and air conditioner. An air conditioner relies on a closed refrigeration cycle to cool your home. Contrary to how it sounds, an air conditioner doesn’t actually cool anything. It uses a cycle of condensation and evaporation to pull warmth from the air – resulting in a cooler home.
Every air conditioner system relies on two key components, a condenser, located outdoors, and an evaporator coil, located indoors. The gaseous refrigerant within the system is compressed into liquid form by the condenser, then transferred to the indoor coil where it evaporates, returning to gas form and absorbing heat from the indoor air. The system’s fan blows air over the coil during the evaporation process, circulating the cooled air throughout the home. Known as the cooling cycle, this process is repeated as often as necessary to attain the desired temperature.
Key Benefits of an Air Conditioner
Heating and cooling effectiveness across a wide variety of climates is the main advantage of an air conditioner-based system. With each component, air conditioner and furnace, specifically designed to accomplish one task, both units can be particularly efficient in their given roles.
Yearly cost of operation can be lower for an air conditioner and furnace combo over a comparable heat pump and air handler depending on where you live and the price of gas versus electricity. The overall lifespan of an air conditioner and furnace system is generally longer, too. The is because the system can spread the effort across the air conditioner and furnace, each only operating for a portion of the year. A heat pump must operate year-round, increasing wear and tear on components and the overall system.
Though most air conditioners-based systems include a gas or oil furnace, when a high-efficiency air conditioner is paired with a high-efficiency furnace in the right climate conditions, homeowners can see surprisingly low energy bills.
You can read more about air conditioners and how they work here. Explore the Lennox selection of air conditioners here.
Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner – Comparing the Two
There are pros and cons to both heat pump and air conditioners, so understanding the specific differences is important to making the best choice for your home. Investment, region you live in, and environmental impact are all factors that you must weight before determining the best system for you.
Functionality
In cooling mode, heat pumps and air conditioners are basically the same. Both use the same refrigerant cycle to cool your home. They even share many of the same components. It’s when cold weather hits that the differences become apparent.
During the winter months, an air conditioner essentially switches off, handing over the job of heating your home to a furnace, typically fueled by gas or heating oil. A heat pump simple switches modes, and in some regions, eliminates the need for a furnace. This two-in-one functionality is made possible by a reverse valve located within the unit that allows a heat pump to perform the cooling cycle in reverse, collecting heat from the outdoor air around your home and releasing it inside.
While the heat pump's flexibility is convenient, it also brings with it a few drawbacks. Whereas an air conditioner and a furnace are both designed to be highly efficient at a single task, the heat pump has some limitations when it comes to extreme weather. Though some heat pumps are rated for temperatures down to -20º, installing one in areas where low temperatures can be extreme or remain low for extended periods of time can reduce a heat pump’s efficiency. This is where installing a heat pump with a furnace is ideal.
Cost
When comparing the purchase price of individual units, because of their multi-function design, heat pumps cost more than comparable air conditioners. The size and complexities of the specific systems can play a role in that price comparison, but in general you will spend more for a heat pump.
Alongside the purchase price, you’ll need to consider the cost of installation. Installation can vary depending on the specific equipment you choose. Unit-for-unit, installation of a heat pump vs. an air conditioner is comparable – with the air conditioner generally having a slightly lower cost of install.
When replacing an existing air conditioner or air conditioner and furnace system, much of the existing equipment such as duct work and electrical systems will already be in place, reducing additional costs associated with installation. If those elements need updated or replaced, your installation costs will jump.
Upgrading from an air conditioner-based system to a heat pump may also require additional equipment or updates to existing systems beyond the heat pump and air handler units themselves.
Mini-split heat pump systems are the least expensive to install but have limitation on where they can be installed and used effectively.
Because this cost can be specific to each region, home, and system, we advise you to talk to your dealer or install technician to better understand the specific requirements on your home and the systems you’re considering.
Energy Efficiency
The energy efficiency of cooling system is expressed in its SEER rating. SEER is a measure of the heat removed from a home divided by the electrical energy it takes the system to remove that heat. Higher SEER ratings translate to lower energy bills – and higher equipment price tags. Both heat pumps and air conditioners are available in a range of SEER ratings.
As we’ve discussed, comparably rated heat pumps and air conditioners are about equal when it comes to cooling performance and efficiency.
Because of that, overall energy efficiency must be measures based on the heating component of an HVAC system. Most heat pump models perform particularly well in moderate climates, and negate the need for natural gas heating solutions in regions with mild to moderate winters. But when the weather gets particularly cold, a heat pump needs to engage the air handler's auxiliary heating equipment and may even have to expend energy deicing the heat pump, increasing the amount of electricity it uses considerably.
Lifespan
Though it’s not always the case, heat pumps generally have a shorter lifespan than air conditioners. This is simply because they are used year-round – covering both the cooling and heating duties, whereas air conditioners are only active when cool air is needed.
The biggest factors in the lifespan of either type of system are how much use they get and how well they’re maintained. Both systems also tend to live longer lives in cooler climates where the heat of the summer doesn’t put as much wear and tear on components.
Whether you choose a heat pump or an air conditioner, engaging a trained HVAC professional to perform check-ups and yearly maintenance on your system will ensure you get the most out of it. Keeping up with DIY tasks like filter maintenance and regular inspections and cleanings can also go a long way to extending your systems lifespan. Learn more about system tune-ups and their benefits here.
Choosing Which System is Right for You and Your Home
When shopping for the right system for you, your home itself should be taken into account.
Climate and Temperature Range
As we’ve mentioned, the climate you live in is a major factor in determining which HVAC option is right for you. While heat pumps excel in mild climates, they have limitations in environments with longer, colder winters. That’s not to say a heat pump can’t handle low temperatures, certain models can perform well in almost any weather, only that handling cold weather extremes will reduce a heat pumps efficiency and can place more stress on the unit.
Optimized for cooling, a comparable air conditioner will perform just as well as a heat pump in warm weather, including similar efficiency levels and energy consumption. But the air conditioner’s need for a purpose-designed heating component to handle winter weather makes it the more effective and energy efficient option for cold climates. While a furnace does require a gas component, increasing the overall system’s impact on the environment, wintertime heating costs should be lower than those of fully electric heat pump system.
Home Size and Layout
It’s also important to consider the size and layout of your home. Large, unique, or multi-story homes may require multiple units or special installation. These requirements vary across both heat pumps and air conditioners and should be discussed with an HVAC professional before weighing your options. Most dealers and HVAC contractors will come to you for a free or low-cost assessment of your home to help you determine the needs of your space – both heat pump and air conditioner-based systems.
Installation and Maintenance
We’ve discussed the differences in cost between a heat pump and an air conditioner, from unit price and installation cost to ongoing maintenance. Though within the scope of a complete system installation operating costs may sound minimal, it’s an important and ongoing aspect of living with the system you select. Heat pump-based HVAC systems operate 12 months a year, handling heating and cooling duties 24/7. This increases the wear on the unit over time and the need for ongoing maintenance in the form of regular services and tune-ups.
Environmental Considerations
Both heat pumps and air conditioners with high efficiency-ratings will do their part in reducing energy consumption and in-turn your carbon footprint. But if green solutions are high on your list of priorities and your climate profile is a match, a heat pump and air handler system will provide you with the knowledge that you’ve gone all electric and avoided the need for a gas or oil powered furnace.
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Along with the specifics we’ve covered, you should also consider yours and your family’s comfort and personal preferences. When you’re ready, we encourage you to reach out to a local Lennox dealer to discuss your options in detail. They’ll take a look at your home, talk with you about your needs, and give you options and advice for your home, your location, and your specific needs.
