Heat Pump vs Central AC: Which Is Better For Your Georgetown Home?
Summer heat can be unbearable, and whether you have a heat pump or an air conditioner, you just want it to work. It doesn’t really matter. However, knowing your options is helpful if you’re in the market for a new HVAC system to keep your home warm and cool while also keeping your family happy. When attempting to distinguish between a heat pump and an air conditioner, it is easy to become perplexed. We’re here to give you a crash course in everything you need to know about heat pumps and a/c.
What’s the Difference Between a Heat Pump & Central AC?
Choosing between a heat pump and a central air conditioning system for your Tucson, AZ home can be difficult. Heat pumps and central air conditioners are functionally equivalent when it comes to cooling a home. When it comes to heating, a heat pump is superior to a central air conditioning system because it can do both. In other words, if you want central air conditioning, you’ll also need a furnace.
Is It Better To Use a Heat Pump Or an AC/Furnace Combo In Georgetown?
Heat pumps are appropriate for Georgetown homes because of the city’s mild temperature. A heat pump is the best option if you want a heating and cooling system in one. Nevertheless, there are circumstances where a new air conditioner would be preferable over a heat pump. To assist you decide which method is ideal for you, we’ll go over the following situations:
- Situation #1: It’s time to replace your furnace.
- Situation #2: You don’t have natural gas service at your house.
- Situation #3: On cold days, you desire to stay as warm as possible
- Situation #4: This is your first time installing an HVAC system.
Do you want a Georgetown HVAC expert to recommend a heating & cooling system for your home? We can help!
Situation #1: It’s Time To Replace Your Furnace
In order to save money on installation, it’s common to replace both an air conditioner and a furnace at the same time. When it comes time to replace your air conditioner, it’s likely that your furnace is also nearing the end of its useful life and will require replacement soon after. The cost of a single heat pump system is usually less expensive than the cost of replacing both an AC and a furnace if this is your circumstance. You’ll save money up front by going with a heat pump instead of a furnace/air conditioner combination, but you’ll also save money in the long run. Why is this so? Because they don’t have to generate heat like furnaces do, heat pumps are more cost-effective than furnaces when it comes to heating your home. This means that a heat pump can deliver 1.5 to 3 times more heat energy than it uses in the form of electrical power. Utility bills will be reduced as a result of this improved energy efficiency.
Situation #2: Natuarl Gas Isn’t Available In Your Area
A gas connection can be excessively expensive if you don’t have natural gas in your home. As a result, an electric furnace or a heat pump will be your most cost-effective heating system alternative. A heat pump is more cost-effective than an electric furnace, therefore that’s the route you should take. Energy.gov estimates that a heat pump can reduce your home’s energy use by up to 50% compared to a traditional electric furnace.
Situation #3: On Cold Days You Desire To Be As Warm As Possible
Georgetown is fortunate in that it experiences only a few frigid days each year. Many people opt for a furnace when the outside temperature drops below freezing (around 40 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s worth noting that a gas furnace can heat up the air up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while a heat pump can only heat up the air up to about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Some homeowners prefer the comfort a furnace can bring, even though air at 90 degrees Fahrenheit is still hot enough to heat your home reliably. The AC/furnace combination may be your best bet if you insist on breathing the warmest air possible.
Situation #4: Installing a HVAC System For the First Time
A heat pump is a better option because it is less expensive to run and less expensive to install than a furnace/AC combination. A ductless (mini-split) heat pump system can be installed instead of a central heat pump system, which requires ductwork. Ductless systems eliminate the need for ductwork, resulting in significant savings on the initial installation. There are some experts who say that ductless mini-split heat pumps in our area are more economical than any other type of heater.
Want a Recommendation From a Georgetown HVAC Pro?
All of your inquiries about heat pumps, air conditioners and furnaces are welcome here. Depending on your specific requirements and budget, our HVAC specialists can make a recommendation for the right system.
Visit the following pages on our website to learn more about each of the systems we have installed:
- The installation of a heat pump
- Installation of a central air conditioner
- Installation of a Heating System