Over recent years, most regions of the world have experienced extreme changes in seasonal climatic conditions. Summers have been extremely hot and during the winter it becomes extremely chilly. Well, all this can be attributed to climate change and global warming. Having the right HVAC system in your home can save you the agony of these extreme climatic conditions.

Just like the traditional HVAC units, a heat pump is also a type of HVAC system. So, if you are looking to replace the HVAC system at your home it is important to be aware of the difference between traditional HVAC units and modern heat pump systems. Both systems have their pros and cons. It is only after analyzing both systems that you can decide the best option for cooling your home. Let’s dive into what a heat pump is and if you should consider a heat pump alternative to traditional HVAC units.

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a type of centralized HVAC system that uses electricity to cool and heat your home. When it comes to cooling, a heat pump works similarly to a normal air conditioning system. It cools the home by pumping the heat from inside the house to the outdoors. When it is cold, a heat pump will heat your home by collecting heat from the outdoors surrounding and distributing it inside your home.

A heat pump system has an outdoor unit and an indoor air handler. It uses refrigerant gasses for heating and cooling. When air is pulled into the coils connecting the outdoor unit and the indoor air handler, the refrigerant cools or heats the air depending on whether the pump is in cooling or heating mode.

What is a Traditional HVAC Unit?

Traditional HVAC systems comprise several independent components that ensure the temperatures in your home are at desired levels. An HVAC unit has a furnace for heating, air conditioning for cooling, and a ventilation system to distribute the heat and cool air. This involves a lot of ductwork to ensure that cool air and warmth are distributed throughout the home.

The air conditioning system cools the air inside by pumping the heat outside in a similar operation as a heat pump. The furnace on the other hand uses either electricity or gas to generate heat which is then circulated through the house.

Heat Pump vs Traditional HVAC

1. Heating and Cooling

A heat pump is an all-in-one heating and cooling unit you only have to switch between the heating or cooling mode. On the other hand, a traditional HVAC unit must have a furnace and an AC to heat and cool.

2. Cost

Buying and installation cost

• The cost of buying and installing a heat pump ranges between $4000 to $10000 depending on the type and the size of your home.
• The average cost of buying and installing a traditional HVAC unit is between $3500 – $5000

  Operational cost

• Heat pumps are generally cheaper to operate and maintain compared to traditional HVAC systems. The traditional HVAC rack up higher operational costs than a heat pump due to heat generation. Furnaces use either electricity or gas to generate heat while heat pumps absorb heat from the surrounding area and circulate it. Research shows that the operational costs of traditional HVAC can be twice or thrice higher than a heat pump.

3. Energy Efficiency

The standard unit for energy efficiency in cooling systems is SEER (seasonal efficiency energy ratio). It is the ratio of heat energy removed from the home to the energy consumed by the cooling system. Heat pumps are more efficient than traditional HVAC units while in cooling mode.

This is because heat pumps use less electricity to cool spaces. In optimal climates, the efficiency of heat pumps is also high when in heat mode because it does not generate heat but instead absorbs it from the air.

However, in extremely cold climates, where temperatures dip below 30 degrees, heat pumps are unable to heat. This is because there is little to no heat to be absorbed into the heat pump coils.

As a result, you will need a supplemental heating element which might use more electricity compared to a furnace. Hence in such regions, a traditional HVAC unit is more efficient compared to a heat pump.

4. Durability and Longevity

Market studies show that traditional HVAC units last longer than heat pumps. The reason behind the longevity difference is the fact that a heat pump will work throughout the year while HVAC systems use the AC in hot weather and a furnace during cold times. The average lifespan of a heat pump is >15 years while an HVAC unit will last for 15-20 years. This can vary depending on the climatic conditions and maintenance.

Should You Consider a Heat Pump Alternative to Traditional HVAC Units?

From the comparative analysis above, the benefits of a heat pump are undeniable. An all-in-one cooling and heating system, with high energy efficiency, and lower operational and maintenance costs. Some heat pumps don’t need any ductwork as they can work ductless. Those that use ducts take up much less indoor space compared to traditional units.

So, if you are considering changing or upgrading your HVAC system, a heat pump is a good choice if you live in areas with optimal temperatures, where it doesn’t get extremely cold.

Briggs HVAC — Your One-Stop Destination for Residential and Commercial Cooling

Briggs HVAC offers diverse solutions in air conditioning, heating, and HVAC maintenance. Whether you’re looking for air conditioning solutions, heating services, or HVAC maintenance, we can help you bridge any gaps in residential and commercial cooling and heating.

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