During the summer, everyone knows about the benefits of a traditional HVAC system. A/C units have been around long enough that many professional air conditioning service providers have been able to sustain a business over decades. But with recent concerns over carbon footprints and energy efficiency, there have been innovations that could shake up the game when it comes to keeping your home comfortable. That’s where an energy-efficient heat pump comes in. As of January 1, 2023 heat pumps are more efficient than ever with the introduction of the new rating system SEER2.
Heat pump systems are a relatively recent innovation that operates similarly to A/C units in that it transfers heat outside of your home to keep the space cool. However, when deciding between a heat pump vs. an air conditioner, you have a lot more to consider than the simple transfer of heat.
Considerations for Installing Heat Pumps or A/C Units
Cost of Installation
Installation cost is a significant concern for any homeowner thinking about how to heat and cool their home. With an energy-efficient heat pump, you have to consider whether you’re installing an indoor or outdoor unit to determine the cost.
Heat pumps operate by gathering the heat out of the air in a home and transferring it into an outdoor grounding source. That means special equipment is often needed to get the job done correctly. Depending on the kind of heat pump you opt for, it’s often more expensive to have an outdoor unit installed than an indoor unit.
The cost doesn’t change much with an air conditioner because you often require an outdoor unit to get rid of the heat. For that reason, you’ll pretty much know what you get when you sign up for the project.
Costs associated with installation aside, heat pumps could drive down your monthly energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps can provide air conditioning to your home at as little as one-quarter of the cost associated with conventional HVAC systems.
The Location of the Home
When comparing a heat pump vs. an air conditioner, you always want to consider the climate around your home. Air conditioning systems are great for areas where temperatures fluctuate between extreme heat and extreme cold. In areas where temperatures drop significantly, heat pumps often can’t create enough warm air in a home to forgo the need for a furnace, which central AC always requires to keep the house warm in the winter.
However, if your home is located in Austin, an area where temperatures don’t drop significantly, then you’ll benefit immensely from installing a heat pump because it can efficiently heat a home without the need for natural gas by using the heat in the earth or the air as a heat source. In case you didn’t know, our service area has expanded to include San Antonio, TX. For all your plumbing and A/C needs in and around The Alamo City, just call Radiant!
Longevity
Another critical component to consider when selecting a heat pump vs. air conditioner is how long you want the unit to last.
Air conditioning units often last longer than heat pumps because they don’t run all year round. Air conditioners can only cool the air, whereas an energy-efficient heat pump can cool your home in the summer and provide efficient heating in the winter. This constant use does impact the overall longevity of the unit, but it also means a lot more savings when it comes to utility and maintenance bills over the long term.
To find out more about heat pumps call the Radiant team today! Radiant is Austin and San Antonio’s #1 in heating repair. The Texas cold can sneak up on communities across Central Texas without warning. When that time of year comes around, you’ll want your heating system to kick into gear without delay.
