When the time comes for an upgrade, many New Yorkers will face the choice between installing a heat pump or an air conditioner. Factors such as energy consumption, the size of your home, and your budget all play a role in the decision. However, the weather is by far the most important determinant in this decision. Since New York has a continental climate featuring cold winters and hot summers, residents may desire a solution that covers both extremes.
Traditional air conditioning units, furnaces, and heat pumps each have a solid track record of keeping people comfortable at home. At Cool Power LLC, we believe in equipping our New York customers with the best possible solution for their specific living space.
What Is the Difference Between Heat Pumps and Air Conditioning?
The key difference between heat pumps and air conditioners is that heat pumps function as both a heating and cooling element for your home. Air conditioners work by removing the heat trapped within a building and forcing it outside. Heat pumps have exactly the same mechanism, but are also enhanced with a reversal valve.
This valve reverses the refrigerant process so heat actually flows back into your home. The versatility of this feature is what gives heat pumps such a major advantage in the typical New York climate.
How Do Heat Pumps Work?
Heat pumps utilize the differential between the air inside and outside your home. It can adjust the hot and cold air flows as needed to match the desired temperature of the owner. The indoor unit is known as an air handler, and it pumps air in the direction of evaporator coils charged with warm refrigerant. The air flows outside to the condenser coils that absorb heat.
A compressor unit squeezes the outside air to heat it up before it returns to the evaporator coils. This sufficiently heats the air before distributing it throughout your home.
How Do Air Conditioners Work?
Air conditioners also use a similar condenser, evaporator, and compressor setup to remove heat from your home. The air passes through ventilation ducts to leave the building. The condenser coils then release the heat to chill the air. However, since the refrigerant flow is not reversible, this process can only be used to cool the home.
This means that New York residents with only an air conditioner may wish to combine their AC with a dedicated heating method, such as a gas furnace or heat pump. If you need some assistance in choosing the right configuration for your home, Cool Power LLC would be happy to consult with you on what will work best for your situation.
The Advantages of Heat Pumps
The primary benefit of owning a heat pump in New York is the convenience and flexibility of full-season coverage. The ability to both heat and cool your home with a single unit can save a great deal of space. Another advantage is the tendency of heat pumps to be more energy efficient than an air conditioner plus furnace combo. Greater energy efficiency can help keep your electric bill down while also benefiting the environment.
New Yorkers can also receive a tax credit when installing a heat pump instead of an air conditioner. Section 25C of the IRA’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit provides up to $2,000 annually in tax credits to lower the cost of a heat pump installation.
The Potential Drawbacks of Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are highly convenient because of their dual functionality, but the fact that they run all year means they are prone to shorter lifespans if you don’t engage in a proper maintenance routine for your pump. Professional maintenance on a routine basis will keep your heat pump going for longer, but the need for extra maintenance may be seen as a drawback as well.
The Advantages of Air Conditioning
A standard AC unit will likely have a lower up-front cost than installing a heat pump. This is due to the fact that it only provides half the functionality. Still, the lower barrier to entry may make it an excellent option for people who need a quick cooling solution when summer is already underway. Since the AC will only be on in the hotter months, it tends to need less maintenance and fewer repairs than a heat pump.
The Potential Downsides of Air Conditioning
The main drawback of installing AC in New York is the need to pair it with a heater for the winter months. Installing two pieces of equipment will likely cost more than a single purchase. Plus, you will have to organize two maintenance schedules instead of one. You will also miss out on the tax incentives urging residents to make the heat pump upgrade as soon as possible.
Do Heat Pumps Have a Greater Lifespan Than AC Units?
The lifespan of your equipment is ultimately determined by the quality of the manufacturer and the frequency of maintenance over the years. However, heat pumps tend to have shorter lifespans on average than a typical AC unit. Put simply, heat pumps work all year long while air conditioners often only run for a fraction of that time during the hottest months.
Many heat pumps are effective for 10-15 years on average. A comparable AC unit can last for around 15-20 years. To get the most out of either, it is wise to follow the instructions of the professionals who installed it. They can give you the best advice for the specific unit in your home.
Are Heat Pumps More Efficient Than Air Conditioning?
On average, heat pumps tend to have greater energy efficiency than air conditioners. Greater efficiency often results in lower electric bills each month. Of course, the individual models being compared may have vastly different specs. A newer AC unit may be more energy efficient than an older heat pump.
When comparing individual products, use the SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) to determine which one is more economical. A higher SEER2 rating means greater efficiency, so you can tell at a glance what will be more cost-effective for your home in the long run.
Making the Choice That Works for Your Home
Heat pumps, furnaces, and air conditioners all have strengths and weaknesses to consider. The all-in-one solution of heat pumps is more convenient, but the shorter lifespan and need for extra maintenance compared to most AC units may not be worth it to some residents. Since the next seasons are always approaching, you may as well get ahead of any weather changes by installing one of these solutions today.
Cool Power LLC has been keeping Long Island comfortable since 1975. Whether you prefer heat pumps or the AC and furnace combo, we would be happy to make your home more enjoyable to live in. We offer full maintenance and installation services for heat pumps, air conditioners, and furnace units.
Just contact Cool Power LLC to learn more about heat pumps or standard AC and order your new HVAC system with ease!
