Understanding the difference between heat pumps and A/C
systems will be beneficial when you have to choose one for your Woodstock home.
Deciding between the two systems will depend on the climate you live in and the
comfort levels you are accustomed too. Reviewing the pros and cons of each
heating and cooling system should make your decision easier and leave you with
the satisfaction that you made the right choice for your home.
Heat Pump
Although the difference between heat pump and A/C systems is
significant, they work in a similar fashion. Both systems are designed to
transfer the heat from inside your home to the outside when in cooling mode.
However, a heat pump is fitted with a reversing valve that allows it to
transfer the heat from outside into your home when in heating mode. This allows
the unit to heat your home without using electric heat strips, which increase
energy consumption significantly.
Pros
Heat pumps are widely considered in the industry as the most
efficient heating and cooling systems on the market because, as the Department
of Energy notes, they use less energy to get the job done.
They maintain a consistent temperature throughout the home,
eliminating the cold spots common with traditional gas furnaces or heat strips.
Heat pumps are equipped with auxiliary heat strips —
emergency heat — to provide heat in times when the temperature dips below its
working threshold.
Cons
Heat pump systems are more expensive than their straight
cool counterparts.
They are not suited for climates where the average
temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit without a secondary heat source.
Heat pumps provide a consistent temperature to heat your
home. It is not, however, as rapid or intense as gas furnaces or electric heat
strips.
Straight Cool Systems With Electric Heat Strips
Straight cool air conditioning systems are fitted with
electric heat strips. The straight cool systems are adequate alternatives to
the heat pump. This is especially true in northern parts of the country where
temperatures commonly dip below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, rendering a heat pump
inefficient. Although the electric heat strips produce adequate heat rapidly,
they consume significantly more energy when in use.
Pros
Straight cool systems are less expensive than a heat pump
system to purchase.
The electric heat strips produce heat rapidly to warm your
home.
Cons
Straight cool systems equipped with electric heat strips use
far more electricity than their counterpart when heating your home.
Heat strips sometimes malfunction and remain on even when
the unit is set to cool, doubling the workload on your system while also
increasing your electric bill significantly.
Before deciding on which type of system to purchase,
schedule an appointment with a heating and air-conditioning contractor and let
them evaluate your situation. Knowing the pros and cons as well as the
difference between heat pump and A/C systems will help you to make an informed
decision and choose the right equipment for your home.
Homeowners in the greater-Atlanta area seeking additional
expert advice regarding the difference between heat pump and A/C systems can
contact Reliable Heating & Air.
For more then 35 years, Reliable Heating & Air has
provided outstanding customer care and support to its valued customers.