Have you ever wondered about what makes a heat pump different from a central air conditioner? Both units operate very similarly for cooling during the summer season, but there are some key differences between the two systems.
Keep reading to learn more about the reasons you might choose either an air conditioner or a heat pump over the other. Then give our team a call when you’re ready to schedule your maintenance, repairs, or installation for air conditioning in Okotoks.
Benefits of a Central AC
A central air conditioner is considered the tried and true option when it comes to cooling your home when it’s hot outside. Central air conditioners have a bad reputation for not being as efficient, but you don’t believe those misconceptions. With proper care, including annual maintenance and changing the filter regularly, your central air conditioner can operate very energy efficiently to keep your home cool.
Benefits of a Heat Pump
A heat pump is easily comparable to a central air conditioner for cooling. In fact, when it comes to lowering the temperature inside your home, the two systems work essentially the same way. But a heat pump also has some mechanisms that allow refrigerant to move in reverse so that heat can be absorbed from outside and transferred into your home to make it warmer during the colder months. A heat pump really stands out in this way because it is more energy efficient for heating compared to other heaters on the market like gas or electric furnaces.
Comparing the Two Systems
If you’re trying to choose between the two, it really comes down to your preferences. You can purchase a high-efficiency model of either a heat pump or a central air conditioner that will save you a lot of money on your monthly energy costs. If you would rather have completely separate heating and cooling systems, you need to go with a central air conditioner.
But if the idea of having an all-in-one solution piques your interest, a heat pump is definitely the way to go. You can save space with a heat pump by eliminating the need for a second large indoor unit needing to be stored in a closet. Plus, if you want to go ductless and switch to a ductless mini split heat pump, you can save even more space.
Keep in mind that with either unit, taking care of your investment makes a huge difference in both energy efficiency and longevity. Examples include:
- Changing out the air filter in a timely manner
- Rinsing out the condensate drain line with vinegar
- Cleaning off the outdoor portion of the unit with gentle water pressure
- Paying attention to signs of problems and scheduling repair service promptly
It’s also important to schedule annual professional maintenance for an air conditioner or biannual maintenance for a heat pump. These professional maintenance appointments allow our team to address any festering problems before they cause a breakdown.
Contact Ace Plumbing and Heating today to schedule an appointment for your plumbing and HVAC needs. Happy Today or You Don’t Pay!