Based on the name alone, you may be wondering how a heat pump and an air
conditioner can serve the same purpose. However, heat pumps are a great,
energy efficient way to both heat and cool your home, and can actually
replace a traditional AC unit for many homeowners. Deciding if a heat
pump is right for you will depend on a number of factors, including your
exact location and the design of your house.
Call our Murrieta HVAC experts at to discuss your heating
and cooling needs!
Air Conditioners/Furnaces
A traditional home heating and cooling system will consist of a gas or
electric furnace for heating, alongside an air conditioner to keep the
home cool in the summer. These two separate, dedicated components are
typically robust and capable of operating in harsher temperatures. Other
advantages of air conditioner/furnace systems include:
- Furnaces typically will not shut down in extremely cold temperatures
- A furnace reduces or eliminates the need for auxiliary heat sources
- Typically cheaper than a heat pump
- Less maintenance than a heat pump
Heat Pumps
In the summer months, heat pumps operate in a very similar way to air conditioners.
Essentially, they pull heat from the air inside the house, and push it
outside the house. However, these devices can be reversed, causing them
to pull heat from outside the house, and push it inside. The major advantages
of heat pumps include:
- Heating/cooling in one device
- Generally less expensive to run
- Heating source is better for the environment
So Which One Should I Choose?
Although heat pumps are more efficient and include both heating and cooling
in one device, they do have some limitations. If you tend to experience
especially frigid temperatures, a traditional furnace may be a better
option, as heat pumps may not operate when it gets too cold outside. However,
many people choose to keep their furnace for extra heating, and use a
heat pump for the majority of their temperature control.
Ultimately, you’ll want to work with a Murrieta air conditioning
expert to determine which option is best for your home. Regardless of
what you decide on, you can trust the experienced team at Correy Baker
Heating and Air to install your new air conditioner or
heat pump. Winter is approaching fast – call us today for top-notch service!