Energy costs take up a major chunk of your utility bills. They depend not only on your usage, but also on the type of appliances you use. Appliances that are not efficient or right for the environment you live in can quickly empty your pockets!

Now that winter is in full swing, make sure you do your research so you can make an informed choice with regard to the appliances you use. In that vein, this blog will discuss the choice between air conditioners and heat pumps.

Let’s take a look at the basic differences and similarities:

Basic differences

The biggest advantage of heat pumps is that they can also provide heating in winters, while redirecting heat outwards during summer. On the other hand, an air conditioner is only useful in summers because it pushes hot air outside the house. A heat pump is like an HVAC system that can push heat from outside to inside, and vice versa.

In their cooling mode, the two appliances are essentially identical. An air conditioner uses three main parts—the condenser, compressor, and evaporator. On the other hand, a heat pump only has an auxiliary electric heater attached to it.

Similarities

Both air conditioners and heat pumps transfer heat from one medium to another. The direction of this transfer differs, but the working principles are the same.

Instead of providing cool air to your room, both of them take away heat from the air to cool down a room. They absorb heat from the inside and discharge it outside. In winters, the opposite happens.

Your heat pump removes heat in winters, the same way a freezer works. The freezer transfers this heat to the coils in the back of the appliance—a heat pump does the same.

Which is the right option for you?

Whether you need a heat pump or an air conditioner largely depends on the environment that you’re residing in. If the climate in your area is moderate, you should go for a heat pump.

Whereas air conditioners are a better choice for cold winters, provided they’re paired up with a heating furnace.

Since heat pumps don’t have a fuel source, they don’t burn any. As a result, the operational costs are way lower, even if they are less efficient. To make the right decision according to your needs and budget, get in touch with a reliable HVAC contractor Chicago like Global Heating and Cooling.

We are home to a team of professionals that are well-trained to deal with sorts of air conditioner and Chicago Heat Pump Installation and repairs.

Drop us a message if you’re in Chicago.