When it’s time to install a new cooling system for your home, you may be deciding between a heat pump or a central air conditioner. Each one has its own pros and cons. You want to be sure and make the right decision because it’s one you have to live with for the next 10 to 15 years, which is the average lifespan for both central air conditioners and heat pumps.
You can keep reading to learn more about cooling your home with a central air conditioner versus a heat pump. Then give our team a call to schedule your heat pump or central air conditioning installation in Campbell County, WY. If you’re still on the fence about which one is the best solution for your home, our team is here to help you make that decision.
Pros and Cons of a Heat Pump
A heat pump is an excellent choice since it is an all-in-one heating and cooling solution. When you select a heat pump, you can eliminate the need for a separate air conditioner and a separate heater. Instead, you can consolidate both into a single unit and potentially save some storage space around your home.
Heat pumps are known for being very energy efficient, especially at heating. However, here in Wyoming we can face some pretty extreme temperatures in the winter time. Because of this, you may want to select a cold-climate heat pump if this is the route that you choose to take.
Pros and Cons of a Central Air Conditioner
Central air conditioners are great because they are the tried and true solution for residential cooling. Central air conditioners have come a long way in recent years to be highly energy efficient and effective at meeting whole-house cooling needs.
Another benefit of having a central air conditioner is that you can connect a separate furnace for heating. This is especially beneficial if you want to have a gas furnace since those units can heat up quickly and effectively during the winter time.
Having two separate systems allows each one to have a break during the off-season, unlike a heat pump that has to work all year round and requires more frequent maintenance. The only real potential downside to a central air conditioner is the attached ductwork.
Central heat pumps face the same problem. If ductwork is not properly sealed and completely airtight, air can escape before reaching the walls of your home, making your unit work harder to produce results. The solution for this is scheduling air duct cleaning and sealing once every three to five years.
As long as you keep up with the ductwork maintenance to ensure that it remains airtight, a central air conditioner is an excellent choice. The biggest consideration you need to make when choosing an AC or heat pump is the SEER2 rating, which estimates the overall energy efficiency at cooling.
The minimum SEER2 rating is a 14.3 in our region of the US. However, selecting a model with a higher rating will result in better overall efficiency and lower energy costs over the entire life of the unit.
Schedule an appointment with the team at Climate Solutions, Inc. The trusted source for all your heating and cooling needs.