What’s The Difference Between a Heat Pump & an AC/Furnace Combo?

You’ve been on the hunt for a new home for the last two years. You’ve been having back and forth conversations via email with your realtor, consumed way too many open house cookies, and ultimately, you’ve dealt with too much disappointment. That’s until now. You’ve found it, your dream home. It’s a 1294 sq ft home, it’s got dual pane windows, no AC, but you do have a working furnace from 1973. 

So you call up the local HVAC company and they give you a quote for a heat pump system and one for a new furnace/AC combo. You’re a first time home buyer. You’ve leased two apartments in the last seven years, and you haven’t thought about AC systems since you lived with your parents and your dad ensured the temperature was at 72°F during the day and 68°F at night. In short, you’re sitting there wondering “How do I know which system is right for my home? Well you don’t, but we do! 

Here at A1 Mechanical Heating and Cooling, we’ve got all the answers to your HVAC questions. From heat pumps to AC/furnace combos, we’ll provide you with the necessary information to help you make the right decision for your needs. 

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a common household appliance that provides your home with both heating and cooling. A heat pump provides heat during the winter months by absorbing heat energy from water, the ground, or even the outside air, and transferring it into your home. Similarly, a heat pump reverses the process  to provide cool air during the warmer months. It simply removes heat from inside your home and transfers it outside. 

What is an AC/Furnace Combo?

An AC/furnace combo, also known as an all-in-one HVAC unit, is a self-contained HVAC system that provides homeowners with both heating and cooling capabilities. This type of unit heats your home through the use of fuel (natural gas, oil, or propane), and it cools it during the summer months through a refrigeration system that relies on refrigerants. 

Is a Heat Pump as Effective as a Furnace in Cold Climates?

Many customers often wonder and ask “Is a heat pump as effective as a furnace in cold climates?’’ While it’s true that furnaces are generally considered to be a tad bit more efficient in colder climates, technological advancements in recent years have greatly improved heating pumps efficiency in colder climates. In fact, there are now cold-climate heat pumps that are designed to provide heating in temperatures as cold as -15°F. 

How do I know which system is right for my home?

With so many  factors to consider when deciding on whether to install a heat pump or an AC/furnace combo, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, we’re here to help. Read on below to learn more about the key differences between a heat pump and an AC/furnace combo to help you better understand which system suits your needs best. 

Energy Efficiency

When it comes down to energy efficiency, generally, a heat pump is considered to be the more energy efficiency option of the two. This holds true for the majority of climates, but things become a tad bit complicated when taking into account colder climates. 

At face value, heat pumps transfer more energy than they utilize, making them the more energy efficient option. But in colder climates, energy efficient gas furnaces tend to perform better than even the most energy conscious heat pumps. If you live in a region with extremely harsh winters, an AC/furnace combo may be the best option.

Climate

The most important factor when deciding between a heat pump AC/furnace combo boils down to the climate of the region in which you live. Heat pumps are best suited for southern and coastal states where mild winters are the norm. 

Cost

Generally, a furnace/AC combo is cheaper on average when compared to a heat pump. The price range to install a heat pump varies from $6,000-$25,000 while the average cost of a furnace/AC combo  can range from $5,000-$12,000. It’s important to keep in mind that although the upfront cost for a heat pump is slightly more expensive, in more temperate climates where a heat pump’s energy efficient qualities thrive, homeowners can expect lower operating costs. Remember, when it comes to HVAC…bigger doesn’t always mean better. Be sure to consult with a pro before making a big purchase. 

Which system lasts longer: a heat pump or an AC/furnace

Although both systems have very similar lifespans, generally, AC/furnace combos tend to last slightly longer. This is due to the fact that a heat pump runs year-round whereas an AC/furnace combo runs seasonally. On average an AC/furnace combo lasts 15-20 years and heat pumps about 15 years. 

Call for A1 Service!

From heat pumps to all-in-one units like furnace/AC combos, our HVAC professionals are trained on all things heating and cooling, so when you call with a question, expect an answer. Unlike other HVAC companies, we’re not interested in quick-profits, instead, we look to build long-lasting relationships with all of our customers. So, next time you’ve got an HVAC question, give us a call!