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Key Takeaways
- Heat pumps work similarly to central AC systems, but also have the ability to run in reverse and heat your home.
- Central AC tends to be the best option for cooling capacity, but has limited flexibility.
- Heat pumps offer versatile home temperature control, but have less efficiency in intense summer heat.
Which Cools Better in Summer: Central AC or Heat Pump?
What’s the best home cooling system for summer? Explore the differences between central AC vs. heat pumps, including their effectiveness, cooling power, and speed. The pros at Comfort Bros can recommend the best system for you depending on your home, needs, and climate zone.
How Do Central AC and Heat Pumps Work?
Does a heat pump cool as well as an air conditioner? Before determining the right cooling system for your home, it’s a good idea to know how each system works.
Central air conditioning
Central air conditioners collect air using an indoor air handler and then send it to an outdoor unit, where it’s cooled with refrigerant. The heat is dispersed outside, while the cool air is sent throughout your home via a network of HVAC ducts and vents. A central AC can only cool the air, so it’s best used in regions with very hot summers.
Heat pumps
A heat pump is a dual-service HVAC solution that works similarly to a central AC, extracting warm air from the home, cooling it, then returning it to the indoor space to lower the temperature. The main difference is that heat pumps can also do this process in reverse to heat your home.
What’s Cheaper To Run in Summer?
In average summer conditions, heat pumps and air conditioners with similar SEER ratings are comparable in terms of energy costs. The difference comes with extreme temperatures.
In our San Diego service area, central AC is often preferred because of its higher cooling efficiency. However, if you live in an area where heating in winter is just as much of a concern, you can offset reduced heat pump cooling efficiency by improving heating performance, which helps you save money.
Another factor is energy rebates — state and federal governments offer several tax credits for upgrading to high-efficiency HVAC systems, with some offering special rebates for heat pumps or central AC.
Which System Is Better for the Environment?
Environmentally speaking, central AC systems and heat pumps are similar. However, heat pumps are electric and can be used for both heating and cooling, so they may have a lower carbon footprint than central air conditioners. Both systems use refrigerant, but newer models use a specific chemical that isn’t harmful to the environment, unlike older refrigerants.
How To Decide What’s Right for Your Home
There’s no one right answer in the debate of an air conditioner vs. a heat pump for hot climates. When selecting a system, consider the climate zone where you live. If the winters are warm and mild, and the summers are intensely hot, the superior cooling power of central AC is probably the right choice. If you live somewhere with a more even split of hot and cold weather, the flexibility of a heat pump could be a benefit.
If your home is already set up with HVAC ductwork, installing central AC is an affordable way to reliably cool the space. If you don’t have ductwork, you could save thousands by choosing a ductless heat pump instead.
In either case, weigh upfront costs against ongoing utility expenses, consider your long-term plans for the home, and look for a model that’s compatible with smart thermostats and other energy-efficient technologies.
Service Area: Comfort Bros Cooling in El Cajon, CA
Comfort Bros is proud to serve all of El Cajon, Coronado, and the surrounding neighborhoods, including:
- 92019
- 92020
- 92021
- 92022
Benefits of Booking With Comfort Bros
Find out which cooling system is right for you by working with our local, licensed HVAC specialists. We’ll offer tailored recommendations based on your climate zone, home size, layout, cooling needs, and budget, ensuring your new system will keep you comfortable year-round.
With honest, upfront pricing, exceptional workmanship, and our promise of quick installation and clean service, we’re a top choice in El Cajon for home cooling services. We’ll install your new air conditioner or heat pump in just a few hours.
We frequently offer deals, discounts, and specials on HVAC services to help make these important home upgrades more affordable.
Contact Comfort Bros for Your HVAC Solutions
Ready to take the guesswork out of choosing a home cooling system? Comfort Bros Heating, Air, & Plumbing is here to help. With decades of experience and a commitment to your comfort, we’ll help match you with a cooling system that’ll keep you comfortable even through the hottest summers. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free in-home consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a heat pump handle extreme summer heat?
Yes. Heat pumps can effectively cool a home in extreme heat, although they may be slightly less efficient than a dedicated central air conditioner.
How quickly does central AC cool a house compared to a heat pump?
Central AC and heat pumps cool the air using the same process, so there is no significant difference in cooling time.
Should I get a dual-fuel system instead of a standalone heat pump?
Dual-fuel systems enable you to use your heat pump for heating in mildly cold weather and switch to a furnace for extremely cold weather. This ensures reliable home comfort and greater energy efficiency at a higher upfront cost.
Are heat pumps quieter than central air conditioners?
There’s generally no difference in noise between heat pumps and central AC. Both units produce around 40 to 60 decibels of noise when running, which is comparable to the noise level of an average dishwasher.
