As the summer heat intensifies, keeping your home cool and comfortable becomes a top priority. Of the cooling options available, two popular choices in the Greater Boston and Southern New Hampshire areas are heat pumps and air conditioners. While both systems have their advantages, how do they compare in terms of performance? Kearney HVAC can help! We’re a leading heating & cooling company with a team of NATE-certified technicians and decades of experience. If you’re considering a cooling system upgrade for your home, our team can help you find a reliable, high-performance solution that meets your specific needs.
The Difference Between Heat Pumps & Air Conditioners
At first glance, heat pumps and air conditioners might seem similar—they both cool your home by removing heat from indoor air and releasing it outside. However, in the winter, a heat pump can reverse this process and extract heat from the outdoor air (even in cold temperatures) and move it indoors. Air conditioners, on the other hand, are designed solely for cooling and while generally less expensive upfront, will require a separate heating system for the cold New England winters.
How They Stack Up: Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioners
There are several important factors to consider when deciding on the right cooling system for your home, such as:
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Cost of Installation
Because they are both a furnace and air conditioner in one system, heat pumps are generally more expensive than traditional ACs. However, heat pumps are also a more sustainable option, which makes them eligible for greater rebates and incentives—like up to $10,000 in Mass Save® rebates and the 30% federal heat pump tax credit.
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Efficiency
When it comes to energy efficiency, both heat pumps and air conditioners have made significant strides and often come with high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings. Heat pumps often boast higher SEER ratings compared to traditional air conditioners, making them a more energy-efficient choice for cooling. Additionally, heat pumps can transfer heat rather than generate it in the winter, which makes them an excellent choice for home heating.
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Performance
Air conditioners are known for their robust cooling capabilities and can quickly bring down indoor temperatures, even during peak summer heat. However, modern heat pumps offer reliable cooling performance with the added advantage of dehumidification, which enhances overall comfort. Additionally, many heat pumps also feature variable-speed compressors that adjust the cooling output based on the temperature, ensuring consistent and efficient cooling. This allows heat pumps to operate at a high-performance level, effectively meeting the precise cooling needs of your home.
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Versatility
Versatility is where heat pumps truly shine. While air conditioners are limited to cooling, heat pumps can seamlessly switch between cooling and heating modes, providing a year-round solution for maintaining indoor comfort. Heat pumps are also versatile in their options for installation, with both ducted heat pumps that can seamlessly integrate with your existing ductwork or ductless mini splits that offer zoned comfort in targeted areas throughout your home with quick installation.
Call Kearney HVAC for All Your Cooling System Needs
Our team of expert technicians are experienced in installing high-performance HVAC systems from Salisbury to Seabrook. We also offer comprehensive maintenance agreements that come with annual tune-ups, discounts on AC repairs, and more. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current system or need expert advice on choosing the right cooling solution for the comfort issues you’re experiencing, we’re here to help.
