Air conditioners and heat pumps functions the same when they are cooling your home but as the name represent a heat pump can heat a home in moderate climate conditions. Both of them have their pros and cons along with some major and minor differences.
Knowing the difference between both of them will help you in determining which one is best for you.
What is a heat pump?
A heat pump is a type of HVAC system that takes the hot air from the inside of your home to the outside to cool down the interior in the summer season. The reverse case is in winter, as the heat pump gives hot air inside the house while taking the cold air from inside. Most heat pumps also include an electrical heater on the interior side.
This electrical unit adds additional heat when the temperature is extremely low.
What is an Air Conditioner
An air conditioner takes warm air from your home and then runs it with the help of a condenser for cooling and then pumps it back into your home so that the temperature is dropped inside. An air conditioner cannot pump hot air into the home; instead, a home with an AC generally uses a furnace to heat the home.
In the case of installing both the heating and cooling system, you should contact the expert and trained specialists in heating and cooling systems. If you are living in Arkansas, then you must get in touch with us.
Costs
Heat pump
Heat pumps are present in a wide variety of prices from ranging 1500$ to up to 10,000 dollars. Most of the heat pumps also cost an average of between 4,000 $ to 7000 $. The price is only dependent on the type of heat pump that you want and the size of your home.
Air Conditioner
Generally, an air conditioner’s cost is less than a heat pump but still, it ranges from 3000 $ to 7000 $ just depending on the need and type of your home.
Durability
Heat pump
The average lifetime of a heat pump is about 15 years. In moderate climates, heat pumps can last from almost 20 to 25 years but in coastal regions, they last closer to 10 years.
Air conditioner
They have a lifespan of almost 20 to 25 years but this lifetime is also affected by the variability of climate and how well you have maintained your cooling systems.
Efficiency
Heat Pump
A heat pump is more efficient than an air conditioner when it comes to cooling. They use five times less energy than AC. When a heat pump is in heat mode and also contains an electric heater then it can increase energy usage. The efficiency of heat pumps is measured by season energy efficiency ratings or SEER. The higher the number is, and greater the efficiency of your heat pump.
Air Conditioner
Anyone who uses the AC frequently can easily tell that this system affects the utility bills. A central air conditioner uses 3000 watts per hour of energy but the air conditioner commonly cycles for 15 minutes two times an hour. In some areas, AC costs around 900 $ to 1200$ per year.
Maintenance
Heat pump
A common heat pump needs maintenance once a year by a technician. If you use this for all four seasons, then you have to maintain this twice a year. The checklist that you can do by yourself is as follows,
Remove debris and leaves from around the heat pump.
Inspect your heat pump for ice buildup or snow in winter.
Clean or change filters as required.
Ensure that the pump remains above the ground.
Clean dirty coils.
Keep registers open.
The checklist that a typical expert will follow is as follows,
Checking electrical terminals
Check airflow
Inspect all the filters, blowers, ducts, and indoor coils.
Check thermostat sensors
Check any type of leaks and refrigerant charge
Checking belts and lubing motors
Air Conditioner
You should check your air conditioner in spring and make sure that it remains in working order. The best option is to hire a professional cooling system expert to check your air conditioner before you are going to need to use it. Some things that you can do on your own are as follows,
Clean coils
Replace air filters monthly
Checking air registers and dust for cleanliness
Inspect the drain line and drain pan
Check loose electrical connections
An expert in cooling systems will inspect,
Electrical connections
Clean drain line
Air filters
Recharge refrigerant and refrigerant leaks
Thermostat settings
Lube belts and fans
All this maintenance is really necessary to keep your heating and cooling system in good and better condition. For all this purpose, you are really going to need the help of expert AC maintaining services and heating repair services.