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A frequently asked question we get from our customers is, “What’s the difference between a heating and cooling unit and a heat pump?” While each system has its pros and cons, they operate and maintain your home’s temperature differently.

Before purchasing a unit and having it installed in your home, it’s best to learn as much as you can about what system works best for your home and what model to buy. Our professional technicians at Home Comfort Experts can provide you with insightful information on heat pumps and AC/furnace combos. We can help you assess your home and choose the right system for your needs.

What's the Difference Between a Furnace/AC System and a Heat Pump?

The main difference between a heat pump vs. air conditioning and heating systems is that a heat pump can do both cooling and heating, while an air conditioner only cools and a heating system only warms.

An air conditioner takes heat from inside your home and releases it outside. It does this by using a special fluid called refrigerant. The refrigerant goes through a process where it gets compressed, which makes it hot.

Then, it goes into a component called the condenser, where the heat changes from a gas to a liquid and cools down. When this cold liquid collects heat inside your home, it turns back into a gas. As it goes back to where it started, it takes the heat from your home with it, and that's how your home gets cooler.

Heat pumps are versatile HVAC systems that efficiently regulate indoor temperatures. They are a budget-friendly and eco-friendly choice for year-round comfort because they can heat and cool your space efficiently, lowering energy use and environmental impact while keeping your indoor environment pleasant.

How Does a Heat Pump Work?

A heat pump takes heat from the outdoor air (even when it's cold outside) and brings it inside to heat your home. This makes the heat pump a versatile system that can keep your home comfortable in both hot and cold weather, making it an efficient and cost-effective choice for year-round climate control.

During cold weather, the heat pump will extract heat from the outdoor air (even when it's cold) and use it to warm the indoor space. In hot weather, the process reverses, and it will expel indoor heat outside to provide cooling.

If you ever have problems with your heat pump, we can help. Browse our heat pump troubleshooting tips or call us for repairs.

Benefits of Heat Pumps

From its versatility to energy efficiency, a heat pump can save you money and keep your home comfortable the entire year, proving to be an excellent system for homeowners.

• Energy Efficiency: Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient because they move heat rather than generate it, resulting in reduced monthly bills.
• Year-Round Comfort: They provide both heating and cooling, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment throughout the seasons and eliminating the need for separate systems.
• Environmentally Friendly: Heat pumps produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional heating and cooling methods, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
• Consistent Performance: These systems offer consistent and even heating and cooling, eliminating temperature fluctuations and ensuring a comfortable living space.
• Cost Savings: Heat pumps can save homeowners money in the long run through their energy efficiency and reduced maintenance needs, making them a wise financial choice.

Which Heating & Cooling System to Use for Your Home

So, if one machine (a heat pump) can do the job of two (a furnace and an air conditioner), why doesn’t everyone just purchase a heat pump? While heat pumps are very efficient, they do have some limitations. They can only keep your home warm until the temperature drops below the upper 30s. Once temperatures drop below 37 degrees, your heat pump has to work full-time to keep your home warm.

When it gets even colder, it just won’t be able to provide enough heat to keep you comfortable. So, it may make sense to buy a heat pump to save you money year-round, but here in Indiana, where the weather gets pretty cold for extended periods of time, you will have to have a furnace installed as a backup.

When updating your home or replacing your HVAC equipment, it’s best to learn as much information about your options as possible so you can make an informed decision. When you need advice and insight, turn to the heating and cooling specialists at Home Comfort Experts in Indiana and Michigan. We’ll help you make the right choice for your home and budget, and install your new unit.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our team.