Once your air conditioner starts to lose cooling power, it is time to think about a replacement. Fortunately, homeowners have more options in the modern HVAC market. The two most popular types of cooling systems are traditional, central air conditioners and ductless mini split heat pumps.
The following comparison will help you determine which system offers the best climate control for your home.
Air Conditioners vs. Heat Pumps: What’s the Difference?
When you look at these two types of systems, you won’t see many obvious differences. Both use refrigerant to transfer heat between your home and the outdoor environment. They each have evaporator and condenser coils, and both require outdoor compressor units.
When looking at functionality, you’ll see that a heat pump is a dual system. While its primary purpose is to heat your home, it also has a cooling function. Conversely, an air conditioner only provides cooling. You’ll need an additional system, such as a furnace or boiler, to heat your home.
Things to Consider When Choosing Between an Air Conditioner and a Heat Pump
When comparing an AC and a heat pump, several considerations will affect your choice. Here’s a look at the issues that most often affect a homeowner’s decision.
Upfront Installation Costs
You might face higher installation costs with a heat pump, but that’s not always the case. Air conditioners and heat pumps that come from the same manufacturer usually have comparable prices. The differences come in the installation process.
If this is your first heat pump, your ductwork or electrical panel might require modifications. This will raise the upfront costs.
Maintenance and Repairs
Heat pumps and air conditioners both need regular maintenance. While you’ll need a fall tune-up for a furnace and a spring tune-up for an air conditioner, the same heat pump will need fall and spring tune-ups. These services are essential in keeping the equipment efficient and functional.
Cooling Efficiency
Air conditioners and heat pumps of similar size offer comparable efficiency most of the time. The difference comes in the winter when Connecticut homeowners rely on heat pumps to keep their homes warm.
Once the outdoor temperature drops below 32°F, the heat pump loses efficiency. The unit will still function, but it will use more energy to transfer heat into your home.
Longevity and Durability
An air conditioner lasts 15-20 years, while a heat pump usually lasts 12-15 years. These average lifetime ranges will vary based on the quality of the model, your maintenance practices, and the frequency of use. For example, heat pumps may wear out faster because homeowners use them year-round for both heating and cooling.
Choose a Model That Fits Your Home
Whether you choose a traditional air conditioner or a ductless mini split heat pump, the size of the unit matters. You’ll want one that’s large enough to cool your whole house, but installing an oversized unit can lead to higher long-term upkeep costs. Your HVAC company can help you find the best models to properly and efficiently cool your home.
Cromwell Energy offers HVAC services throughout Middlesex and Hartford County, CT. We offer installation and maintenance services for most major brands of heating equipment (boilers, burners and furnaces) as well as commercial & residential central air conditioning (AC) systems. We also install the highly rated Mitsubishi ductless mini-splits and heat pump systems – which have become a go-to option for many Connecticut homeowners.