Do heat pumps cool as well as air conditioners?

Heat pump vs air conditioners, which one is more energy efficient? And which one can help you reduce your energy consumption?

Before moving ahead with your air conditioner or heat pump installation, stick around as the team from Thomson Industries dives deep into these heating and cooling systems in more detail below!

How does a heat pump work?

Known for their ability to heat and cool a space, heat pumps operate year round, unlike traditional air conditioners. Here is a closer look at how heat pump technology works:

Transfer of heat

An air source heat pump uses a refrigerant to draw thermal energy from the outside air, even in cold weather, when it is set to the heating mode on your thermostat.

Compression

After that, a compressor compresses the refrigerant, raising the temperature and pressure of it. The refrigerant turns into a highly hot, high-pressure gas as a result of this process.

Heat release

In the heat pump's indoor unit, a condenser coil circulates the hot refrigerant gas. The warm inside air is heated by the thermal energy released by the hot gas as it passes through the coil.

Expansion

The refrigerant returns to its liquid state by losing pressure and temperature after the heat is released.

Cooling

The heat pump uses a reversing valve to function in reverse when it is in cooling mode. When the reversing valve is in position, the heat pump cools the interior by absorbing heat from the air inside your home and releasing it outside from an outdoor unit.

What is air conditioning?

An air conditioning system maintains your indoor comfort during the summertime by cooling and dehumidifying your indoor air.

It is made up numerous different parts including a compressor, condenser coil, expansion valve, and evaporator coil. The compressor is responsible for pressurizing the refrigerant, before circulating it through the condenser to remove the collected heat outside.

Next, the expansion valve controls refrigerant flow into the evaporator, where it evaporates, absorbing heat from indoor air.

Lastly, fans aid heat exchange, while a thermostat regulates temperature settings. Air filters improve indoor air quality by trapping particles, and ductwork distributes cooled air throughout your home.

Are air conditioners and heat pumps energy efficient?

Heat pumps and air conditioners can be incredibly energy efficient, provided that they receive regular maintenance appointments throughout their service life.

Let's take a closer look below:

Air conditioning system

• Unlike heat pumps that offer heating and cooling, an air conditioning system solely works in a cooling mode.
• Both a central AC unit and ductless mini-split air conditioner are known for their energy efficiency ratings, which vary between different units. That said, unlike heat pumps that may have difficulty in it's cooling mode during periods of extreme heat, air conditioners are known to maintain their cooling efficiency.
• The energy efficiency of an air conditioner is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). The higher the rating, the more efficient the air conditioning unit is.

Heat pump system

• Unlike conventional HVAC system models that generate heat through a combustion process, heat pumps move thermal energy from one area to another to providing heating and cooling throughout the year.
• Heat pumps work well in areas where the temperatures outdoors remains mild throughout the year.
• Heat pumps aren't as energy efficient in areas that experience extreme temperature drops in the winter, or scorching summers, which can increase your energy costs. Most times, a heat pump is used with a backup HVAC system when used in areas with extreme winter and summer temperatures.

Can one get enough cooling using a heat pumps?

Yes, a heat pump can usually keep your house comfortably cool while preserving a healthy indoor air quality for you and your loved ones. Heat pumps draw heated air from within your house during the summer and then expel it outside to chill your living space.

However heat pumps may find it difficult to cool a home's interior when outdoor temperatures increase, particularly in regions where extreme heat waves are a regular occurrence. Therefore, if you live in an area where summer temperatures often reach above 35 degrees Celsius for the majority of the summer, you may want to consider a different cooling system for your home, such as a central air conditioner or mini-split air conditioner.

Book Air Conditioner and Heat Pump Services with Thomson Industries!

For high-quality air conditioning and heat pump services, look no further than the professional HVAC team from Thomson Industries!

Our team of certified technicians are available for heat pump repairs and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra cost. Same day heating and cooling emergency repairs are also available during cold snaps and heat waves!

Are you in the market for a new heat pump or air conditioning unit? Don't hesitate to reach out and book a consultation appointment with a home comfort advisor to learn more about the different HVAC system models we offer.

Whether you need a gas furnace, central air conditioner, ductless mini-split air conditioning systems, heat pumps, boiler, or other appliance, count on Thomson Industries to tailor the results of your service based on your unique needs and budget.

If the cost of a new heating or cooling system is something you're concerned about, ask us about our discounts and financing options, so you can save money on your new purchase! All consultations with our team include a complimentary new system purchase quote.

Thomson Industries is pleased to partner with homeowners in Deroche, Chilliwack, Mission, Abbotsford, Tsawwassen, Aldergrove, Lions Bay, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Vancouver, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Langley, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Newton, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Richmond, Surrey, and Walnut Grove.

If you live in the area and require our assistance, reach out to the team over the phone or use our online booking form! We look forward to partnering with you!