Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioning: Which is Right for My Home?
With summers in the Hudson Valley getting hotter and hotter, fans and window AC units just aren’t cutting it. Many homeowners are looking for permanent whole-home cooling solutions. Two popular options are air conditioning and heat pumps. Here are some key differences between them to help you make the right decision for your home.
Heat Pumps & Air Conditioning – What’s the Difference?
Heat pumps and air conditioners operate very similarly. They both remove heat from the air inside your home using refrigerant. The main distinction is that heat pumps can both cool and heat your home, while air conditioners only cool. An environmentally friendly option, heat pumps rely on electricity to heat your home instead of fossil fuels.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners
- Cost: The cost of heat pumps and air conditioners will depend on the size of your home and the capacity of the system. While heat pumps are more expensive initially, you also have to consider the savings you’ll have by not using oil, propane or natural gas to heat your home.
- Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are better at dehumidifying air and use less energy than air conditioners. They also use about 50% electricity than other electric heating sources like furnaces or baseboard heaters.
- Longevity: The lifespan of both air conditioners and heat pumps depends on how often you use them and how well they are maintained. Because they are only used for warm summer months, air conditioners tend to last longer than heat pumps. Both systems last longer in cooler climates.
- Maintenance: Both air conditioners and heat pumps require annual maintenance by a licensed professional. For heat pumps, maintenance is recommended twice a year – once before the cooling season and once before the heating season.
The experts at DS Home Services are here to help you decide which cooling system is right for your home. Regardless of which system you choose, you’re in good hands. Our team of technicians is trained to install both types of systems and perform routine maintenance to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently. Contact us today for a free consultation!
