Air Conditioner vs. Heat Pump | The Difference
The summer is approaching, and you’ll spend more time trying to stay relaxed and comfortable. So, if you’re looking for a new air conditioner or heat pump around Surrey and Langley areas, the information below can help you decide which product best suits your needs.
The heat pump is a type of air conditioner which uses mechanical action to move heat from one place to another. The heat pump cools the air by removing the heat through refrigeration and air movement to make the conditioned space comfortable.
The heat pump is a resourceful piece of equipment that can heat and cool your home. It works by moving heat across the coil of the evaporator by trapping the heat or cold in the refrigerant to be taken outside. Refrigerants are chemical that allows for easy heat transfer.
The refrigerant is pumped around the system with the use of a compressor. The gas leaves the compressor, passes through a condenser, then to the evaporator, which cools down the room with the action of a fan motor.
Heat pumps absorb heat from the cold outdoor air and transfer it as warm air within your home or office building. Likewise, an air conditioner removes heat from within your home or office building and transfers it to the outside. A heat pump has many advantages over traditional AC units.
Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are an excellent option for homes and building that has electric heating or no natural gas heating. They are great for people wanting to save money on their energy bills.
Pros
1. Lower Operating Costs:
Heat pumps are less expensive to operate than combustion-based systems. The greater the energy savings over time, the more energy efficient the systems. Although ground source heat pumps cost as much as $45,000, this environmentally friendly investment can save you up to $1,400 annually.
2. Lower Maintenance Cost.
Heat pumps are less maintenance-intensive than combustion heating systems. Certain aspects of the heat pump will need to be checked yearly. A professional installer must inspect the heat pump every year.
Since they both provide heating and cooling, heat pumps must maintain more than most other heating systems. They need to be checked in both seasons for leaks or other defects.
3. Increased Security:
Heat pumps are generally considered safer to operate than combustion-based heating systems. This is because they use electricity rather than fossil fuel to generate heat.
4. Lowers CO2 Emissions:
A heat pump system reduces your carbon footprint and transfers energy to heat efficiently. For example, a water source heat pump can achieve impressive efficiency levels of a higher percentage.
5. Cooling is provided.
Heat pumps can reverse their heating process and function as air conditioners when the weather warms up. During the summer, air-to-air heat pumps can be conveniently switched to the cooling mode.
6. Long Life Expectancy.
A heat pump has an average lifespan of about 15 years; some can even operate efficiently for over 20 years. They are highly dependable and provide a consistent source of heat.
Cons
1. High Initial Investment:
Heat pumps have a higher initial cost, but their operating costs translate to long-term energy bill savings and lead to lower carbon emissions.
2. Installing is difficult.
Heat pumps are relatively difficult to install because thorough planning and research are required to understand heat movement, local geology (particularly for ground source heat pumps), and your household’s heating and cooling requirements.
3. Uncertain Sustainability.
Some fluids used for heat transfer have questionable sustainability, raising environmental concerns. As a result, it is advised to use biodegradable fluids.
4. Significant effort is required.
Installing a heat pump necessitates extensive work and disruption to your home and garden. A good example is that penetrations must be made through the building walls.
5. Problems in Cold Weather.
In cold temperatures, air source heat pumps may experience icing, which can cause system damage. Although modern heat pumps frequently have automatic defrosting, they still face icing issues.
Their efficiency will also be lower in freezing temperatures and consume more electricity on those chilly days. Ground source heat pumps, on the other hand, can withstand much colder temperatures.
6. Not Completely Carbon Neutral.
Heat pumps are powered by electricity. Even if they do not account for production, their carbon footprint will be determined by how their electricity is generated.
They use much more electricity than other heating systems, such as gas furnaces and boilers.
In either case, consider renewable energy sources like solar for your home if you want to be carbon neutral.
Always check your heat pump’s Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF).
Pros and Cons of an Air Conditioning System
An air conditioner provides cool air inside your home or enclosed space by removing heat and humidity from the air.
Pros
1. Temperature control:
You can adjust the temperature of the room by using an air conditioner. You can change the fan speed, setting and temperature to get optimum comfort in your room.
2. Noise reduction:
When the gas is heated, it evaporates. The gas is then condensed back into the liquid state. Finally, the fluid returns to the bottom of the unit to be reused. This is the opposite of the actual process.
3. Energy efficiency:
You can save energy with an AC unit because it uses less electricity than most heating systems. Most modern homes have both heating and cooling systems installed. This means they use more energy than necessary for one purpose or another.
4. Dependable service:
An AC unit is reliable; it will only fail if something goes wrong or the installation is poorly done, such as an undersized system. Portable air conditioners are noisier compared to window or ceiling-mounted units.
Cons:
1. Operating air conditioning systems requires you to spend money.
2. Having an air conditioner can take up a substantial amount of space in your dwelling, and if you have a large area to cool, you may need more than one unit to keep your entire house comfortable.
3. The air conditioner can make a lot of noise. This is especially noticeable when running at maximum capacity or when many people occupy the same space.
4. It can be a problem for your neighbours, which can cause tension between families.
Ask an Expert
Whether you are replacing an existing HVAC system in your home or purchasing one for the first time, there are several significant differences to consider when deciding between a heat pump and an air conditioner. In selecting the best system for your needs, the size of the unit and its heating/cooling capacity must be determined.
A trained HVAC professional can assess your home’s heating and cooling requirements. This is the best way to determine the best option for you.
Knowledge HVAC & Refrigeration Ltd is a licensed contractor and a full-service company. We specialize in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration. We provide Installation, Repair and servicing to all make and brands. We are available to assess your situation and assist you in deciding between a heat pump and an air conditioner system.
