Dan Simms is a contributing writer at USA TODAY Homefront specializing in home repair, renovation and renewable energy. While working as a property manager for one of the largest real estate management firms in New York, Dan worked alongside contractors and renovation specialists to prepare homes for sale. He is an avid DIYer and has completed a shed construction and a bathroom renovation in his own home and investment properties. He lives on Long Island, New York. Reach out to him on LinkedIn.
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Both heat pumps and air conditioners are systems that can cool your home. Choosing between a heat pump and an air conditioner isn’t just about beating the heat; it’s about finding a cost-effective, energy-efficient solution for keeping your home comfortable throughout the year.
If you’re considering either of these appliances for your home, consider aspects such as each system’s cost, longevity, energy efficiency and climate suitability.
Heat pumps and air conditioners use refrigerant to absorb heat from your indoor air and exhaust it outside, cooling your home when it’s hot. The key difference lies in heat pumps’ ability to warm your home by using a reversing valve to extract heat from outdoor air and pump it inside.
Heat pumps are more efficient at cooling than heating. They lose efficiency in extremely cold weather when the outside air is too cold to extract heat from and produce enough warm air to heat your home. If you live in a region where the temperature routinely drops below freezing, you’ll need a supplemental heat source or an Energy Star cold-climate-certified model.
Air conditioning systems can only cool your home. Once the temperatures drop, you’ll need to winterize your AC unit and turn to a separate heating system, like an electric or natural gas furnace.
Air conditioners are more affordable than heat pumps, but keep in mind the need to purchase a separate heating system if your local climate demands it. The combined cost of an air conditioner and a gas furnace, for example, is usually close to the cost of a heat pump.
A heat pump is better if you live in an area with cold winters and need a convenient single unit for both heating and cooling. Conversely, an air conditioner paired with a separate heating system is better if you live in a hot climate with mild winters.
In either case, working with a professional HVAC tech will make your life a lot easier. In a 2023 interview with us at Homefront, Wesley Cooper of Cooper Climate Control outlined the process he’s used throughout his 20-year career in the HVAC industry. Start by determining your needs, priorities and budget for a new HVAC system, he said.
When determining the right choice for customers, Cooper would ask the following questions: “Do they want high efficiency and more technology? Do they have a brand preference [or] need financing? Are they interested in an extended warranty, etc.?”
Before you call in a pro, understand the basic differences between heat pumps and air conditioners. The following sections provide an in-depth look at how price, climate, energy efficiency and your existing home heating infrastructure influence your decision.
Three main components contribute to the overall cost of an HVAC system: upfront equipment and installation costs, ongoing maintenance costs and fuel costs.
Heat pumps usually cost more than air conditioners. A high-efficiency heat pump could cost between $4,200 and $8,500 based on figures I gathered from installers, including Carrier and Fire & Ice Heating & Air Conditioning Inc., but complex installations can run you up to $15,000. Any necessary electrical or ductwork upgrades will increase the cost. However, since it replaces both your air conditioner and furnace, it’s often more affordable than purchasing separate heating and cooling systems.
The lower initial cost of an air conditioner may appear attractive, but don’t forget to factor in the additional expenses associated with purchasing and running a separate heating system if you need one. From Home Depot, self-installable central air conditioning units range from $1,600 for an 18,000-Btu, 16-SEER split-system AC to $4,800 for a 48,000-Btu, 18-SEER split-system AC. Professionally installed units from high-end providers such as Carrier and Trane typically require a custom quote and will cost more. The highest price listed for a central AC on Trane’s website is $22,800.
Heat pumps are very energy-efficient and can help lower your utility bills, particularly in moderate climates. While many manufacturers make high-efficiency air conditioners, they don’t save you as much money since they only work during warmer months.
Air conditioners and heat pumps require similar levels of ongoing maintenance, so they’ll cost you about the same amount in annual tune-ups — around $125–$200 per visit based on costs published by Rebman Plumbing and Gold Star Plumbing in New York.
The weather where you live can influence your decision between a heat pump and an air conditioner.
Heat pumps excel in mild climates where extremely low temperatures are rare. You might require a supplemental heat source if outdoor temperatures regularly drop below freezing in the winter.
Air conditioners are great for any climate, but you’ll need to address heating separately. If you’re in a region with harsh winters, a combination of an air conditioner and a high-efficiency natural gas or propane furnace may be the best option.
Heat pumps are very energy-efficient, and — in the right climate — can provide significant savings on your energy bills year-round. Modern air conditioners are also energy-efficient, but you only benefit from that efficiency during the annual cooling season in your area.
Whether you buy a heat pump or an air conditioner, you should use the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) to compare units. In 2023, the SEER requirement for new AC units and air-source heat pumps increased to 15 SEER. Heat pumps and air conditioners with higher SEER ratings may be more expensive, but they’re more cost-efficient in the long run.
Heat pumps will also usually have a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rating that quantifies how efficiently they can heat your home. The minimum HSPF rating is 8.2.
Energy Star ratings provide a useful benchmark, indicating whether or not an HVAC unit meets or exceeds EPA guidelines for energy efficiency. Heat pumps must have a 9.2 HSPF rating and a 15.9 SEER rating or higher to qualify for Energy Star certification. Central air conditioners must have a 15.9 SEER rating.
The installation process for heat pumps and air conditioners is similar, assuming that you already have ductwork in place. If your current home cooling setup includes window air conditioners or wall-mounted air conditioners and a furnace, you’ll have to include the cost of installing ductwork as you transition to a heat pump system or central AC.
If you already have a furnace, adding an air conditioner is the more affordable option since you can install it into the ductwork your furnace uses.
If you’re replacing your entire home heating and cooling system or installing an HVAC system in a new construction, consider choosing a heat pump. The installation process will be simpler since you don’t need to have a separate heating system installed.
Both heat pumps and air conditioners come in ductless varieties, which avoids the need to have ductwork installed. Despite the name, ductless mini-split systems still require some ductwork to transmit air from the outdoor unit to the indoor air handler.
Both heat pumps and air conditioners need regular maintenance to operate efficiently. Both types of HVAC systems need filter replacements quarterly. They also both benefit from regular coil cleaning, which ensures they continue to operate at maximum efficiency.
Heat pumps may require more frequent service due to their year-round use. Most manufacturers recommend servicing your heat pump once per year. An HVAC technician will check your system’s air filter and coil during your annual checkup. They should also make sure your system’s condensate drain isn’t clogged and calibrate its thermostat.
Air conditioners typically last longer before needing significant repairs since they’re only used in the summer.
AC systems and heat pumps often require similar repairs. Both types of systems can suffer from refrigerant leaks, malfunctioning compressors and faulty condensers. Other common issues that require repairs include blower motor failures and electrical issues related to corroded connections and burnt-out circuit boards.
Establishing a consistent maintenance schedule can prevent minor issues from escalating into significant repairs. Both air conditioners and heat pumps have similar life expectancies and should last for between 10 and 15 years with proper care and maintenance.
You should start by consulting a local HVAC professional for tailored advice. They can provide quotes and insights specific to your home’s layout and your personal preferences. We recommend getting at least three quotes from HVAC companies to ensure you get a good deal on the unit that’s right for you.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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