If you’re looking for a new HVAC system for your home, two of the most common and popular options are heat pumps and central air conditioners. While both units are similar in someways, they are vastly different in other ways.
No matter what type of system you’re looking for, you can give our team a call for AC installation in Hatboro, PA. We’re the experts in the area and we can offer an in-home assessment to help you choose the best system for your home and family. You can keep reading to learn more about the similarities and differences between heat pumps and central air conditioners.
Pros of a Central AC
A central air conditioner is considered the most standard option for a home. It’s what most builders install when they are building new homes and what many homes already have in place. Central air conditioners are easy to operate and have a similar lifespan to other types of HVAC systems – usually around 15 years.
Cons of a Central AC
Central air conditioners are known to be a less efficient option compared to other types of systems. However, this is largely due to the network of ducts that it attaches to for transferring cold air into your home. When your ductwork is properly positioned and sealed, you should not have any problems with energy efficiency.
When you compare a central air conditioner directly to a heat pump, one downside is that a central AC unit only calls your home, while the heat pump offers both heating and cooling. If you invest in a central air conditioner, you may also need to invest in a separate heater.
Pros of a Heat Pump
As we just mentioned above, heat pumps are beneficial because they offer both heating and cooling all in one system. This can help you save space over having to find a storage place for an additional HVAC system inside of your home. You don’t have to have a separate heater in addition to a heat pump. Instead, it has a reversing valve that allows it to switch effortlessly between heating and cooling.
Because of their unique operation, heat pumps are also known to be slightly more efficient than a central air conditioner, but not much. These two units are actually very similar and how they operate, aside from the reversing valve and heating function. While you do stand to save a little more on your energy costs with a heat pump, it may not be enough to make that much of a difference.
Cons of a Heat Pump
Because your heat pump is connected to a network of ducts, it faces the same challenges as a central air conditioner. But as long as you take excellent care of your ductwork and have it inspected for holes and broken seals, you shouldn’t have any issues with energy efficiency. You can also invest in a highly efficient heat pump that can save you even more on your energy costs.
If you really like the idea of a heat pump but prefer to have a more efficient unit, you may want to consider a ductless mini split. It uses a heat pump system so it offers both heating and cooling. However, it does not connect to ducts, and instead is a ductless system, meaning that 100% of the conditioned air blows directly into the rooms of your home. With this type of heat pump, you stand to save up to half on your monthly energy bills for heating and cooling.
Contact Dowd Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning to schedule an appointment for AC service. A Degree Above the Rest.
