Heat Pumps vs. Central Air: A Comparison
Homeowners who have been considering getting a new HVAC system for their home have many options to choose from. The task of choosing which system is right for your home can be daunting. Two common HVAC types are heat pumps and traditional central air systems. Both have their unique features and advantages. Here, we’ll explore how these systems work, explain their benefits, and help you choose which might be right for you.
How These Systems Work
Different HVAC system types will have specific design features, installation considerations, and methods to condition a home. To understand which system might be best suited for your home, you must know how each works. Here is an overview of each of these system types.
Heat Pumps
Despite what their name suggests, heat pumps can be used to cool your home. These HVAC systems are growing in popularity due to their versatility. This is because the heat transfer process that can cool a home can be reversed to also warm a home. No additional furnace or heating device is required for them to do this.
When a heat pump is set to cooling mode, it will extract the heat that is inside the building and release that heat outside. When set to heating mode, it does the opposite. However, in heating mode, there are several sources it can pull heat from. Some models pull from the air. Other models may use geothermal energy or water.
Central Air Systems
Central air systems are more traditional. The outdoor unit of a central air system is typically larger than a heat pump system. It is commonly installed on a concrete foundation due to its size and weight. Additionally, unless a separate furnace or heating device is connected to the central air system, the unit will only cool your home. In addition to the outdoor compressor unit, a central air system includes an indoor evaporator coil and the ductwork necessary to distribute and circulate the cool air in your home.
Benefits of Heat Pumps
The versatility of a heat pump system isn’t the only advantage that it may have over a central air system. Heat pumps have several other benefits that homeowners may appreciate. Some of the benefits of a heat pump system include the following.
Energy Efficiency
Due to their design, heat pump systems are extremely energy efficient. Since they are transferring heat instead of generating heat, they can warm or cool a home while minimizing energy usage. This lower energy usage of a heat pump lowers the operational costs reflected on your energy bill. The energy efficiency of a heat pump can help reduce system stress, decreasing how often repairs are required. It also helps increase the total lifespan of the system if well-maintained.
Dual-Fuel Capability
Some heat pump models have a dual-fuel feature. This means that they can be connected to a separate gas furnace for increased heating capacity. While a dual-fuel model isn’t necessary for a heat pump to warm a home, the additional heating capacity can be useful for geographical areas with particularly cold winters.
Reduced Environmental Impact
The better energy efficiency that you get with a modern heat pump system has the added benefit of helping to reduce your home’s environmental impact. Using less energy in your home directly reduces your home’s carbon footprint. For homeowners who like to ensure that their home stays environmentally friendly, heat pumps have an advantage.
Better Humidity Control
When heat pumps are in cooling mode, they tend to be more effective in dehumidifying the air. Humidity can make air feel hotter than it is, causing a homeowner to lower the thermostat on their air conditioner. Reducing the humidity when cooling, can make your home more comfortable while keeping you from unnecessarily turning the cool air up higher.
Rebates and Tax Incentives
One advantage of energy-efficient heat pumps is that they can save money in additional ways. There are financial incentives and rebates associated with the installation of an energy-efficient system like a heat pump. However, these incentives and rebates may have specific device requirements, so inquire about this when purchasing.
Quiet Operation
Traditional central air systems can sometimes get noisy when the workload is increased on hot days. In contrast, modern heat pumps tend to operate more quietly. This reduced operational noise includes both indoors and outdoors. The reduced noise pollution can help create a calmer environment in your home.
Benefits of Central Air Systems
While heat pumps have many useful features that homeowners find beneficial, central air systems have their advantages, too. Here are some common benefits of central air systems.
Powerful Cooling
In general, central air systems are known for more powerful cooling than heat pumps. During a hot day when occupants of the home may need quick relief, central air systems can quickly lower your indoor temperature. There are also larger outdoor units available with higher cooling capacity for larger homes and spaces.
Consistent Maintenance and Repair Standards
Central air systems have a long history of cooling homes that dates back to the 1960s. Therefore, these systems have an established standard of maintenance and repair. Qualified technicians are easier to find for these systems and replacement parts are widely available. Because of this long history and established standards, any issue with a central air system can usually be diagnosed and repaired relatively fast.
Lower Initial Costs
The initial cost for most central air conditioning systems will typically be cheaper than a heat pump. If your home already has a network of ducts installed, this can further reduce the cost of a central air system.
Zoning Options Available
Central air systems can be upgraded by installing dampers in the ductwork. These dampers give you more control of the airflow into different zones of your house. Zone control improves comfort while allowing for additional energy savings by only cooling occupied areas of the home.
Familiar Technology
One of the simplest reasons that people like central air systems is that they already know how to use them. Many homeowners are already familiar with the capabilities of the system and the maintenance requirements. There is no need to learn how an unfamiliar technology operates.
Desirable Feature for Home Buyers
Alternative HVAC systems like heat pumps and ductless mini-splits are becoming increasingly popular. However, many potential home buyers still see central air systems as desirable, especially in areas with hot climates.
Which Should You Get?
When you compare central air systems and heat pumps, there are unique advantages of each. When choosing, it’s important to consider the specific needs and challenges of your home to see which is suitable for you. It can be a good idea to consult with an HVAC company and see which they recommend for your specific home.
Your Reliable HVAC Specialists
Do you have a home in Roseville, MI and are interested in a new HVAC system? C & C Heating & Air Conditioning has you covered. Our experienced team can help you with repairs, maintenance, upgrades, or new installation of a heating and cooling system. We work with various HVAC types, including heat pumps, central air systems, and ductless systems.
In addition to primary HVAC system services, we are also happy to help with indoor air quality systems, smart thermostats, water heaters, and more. For customers who qualify for credit approval, we offer financing services. Other rebates and incentives are also available. For help with an HVAC system or other questions, don’t hesitate to contact C & C Heating & Air Conditioning!
