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With warmer weather on the horizon (we promise, it’s coming…right?) everyone is busily getting their homes and yards ready for the season. As part of that preparation, you may be considering upgrading your home cooling system. In addition to the central air conditioning units that many are acquainted with, heat pumps are also a popular option (despite the name, they do cool homes). So, what is the difference between the two?

Back to Basics

Heat pumps and air conditioners effectively accomplish the same thing: they circulate cool air throughout the home; however, heat pumps can also heat the home. Yes, you read that right; it’s a two-in-one solution. Heat pumps are able to both cool and heat the home, eliminating the need for a furnace or boiler.

The process that air conditioners and heat pumps use to cool indoor air is very similar: air conditioners work by circulating refrigerant through a system of coils, absorbing heat from inside the home and releasing it outside. Heat pumps transfer heat from one place to another using a refrigerant. The differentiator is a small piece in heat pumps called the reversing valve, which enables the heat pump to switch between an evaporator for cooling and a condenser for heating, ensuring comfort year round.

Going Green

It’s important to note that the energy efficiency of the cooling capability of heat pumps is comparable to that of modern high efficiency air conditioners. The stark difference occurs when colder temperatures arrive, as heat pumps use considerably less energy to heat the home than a traditional furnace. The ability of heat pumps to move heat rather than generate lends greatly to their efficiency, not to mention, they run on electricity instead of fossil fuels. As you can imagine, heat pumps save homeowners a considerable amount of money during the winter months when energy bills arrive.

Got ducts?

If your home isn’t outfitted with a duct system and you’re not looking to install one, ductless heat pumps are an excellent solution. If you have a problem room or area in your home where heating and cooling do not easily reach, a ductless mini split can solve that issue. They also allow zoning, so you can adjust the heating and cooling in various areas around the home to your liking.

So, what’s the catch?

While heat pumps are an excellent option for people looking to efficiently heat and cool their homes with low environmental impact, the up-front costs sometimes deter homeowners from going this route. However, if you’re in the market for both a new furnace and air conditioner, purchasing a heat pump is comparable in price (and accomplishes both jobs).

Even better, there are state and federal incentives available to encourage the adoption of cleaner, more efficient home heating and cooling systems. The New York State Clean Heat Program offers rebates to homeowners who purchase a heat pump. Additionally, federal tax credits are available.

When it comes to high efficiency heating and cooling systems, working with a knowledgeable, reputable HVAC company is key. At Finger Lakes Comfort, we’re highly trained and experienced with all of the HVAC system options mentioned in this blog post, and we’re happy to share our knowledge with you and make recommendations based on your unique needs. We can even help you with the rebate process (more savings and less paperwork…what could be better?) Visit our website to learn more.