Are you trying to decide between a heat pump or a central air conditioning system for your Colorado home? If so, it’s important to note that the main difference is that while central AC systems only cool, heat pumps are capable of both heating and cooling. This means they provide year-round comfort in any season! When selecting between the two options, you should factor in your local climate. Temperatures can fluctuate from 22°F to 89°F in Colorado annually, so while both choices are capable of cooling your residence during the summer months, a heat pump alone may not be sufficient enough for winter if it is your only source of heating.
Looking for the most efficient air conditioning system that fits your home and budget? In this blog, we will discuss how to select an HVAC system that’s suitable for you by breaking down important factors such as:
The distinction between a heat pump and AC
Why one should consider installing an AC
Additional considerations when making a decision.
Heat pumps not only provide a pleasant environment during the hot summer months, but they can also keep your home cozy throughout winter. Unlike air conditioners that are limited to cooling capabilities, heat pumps have the ability to both warm and cool your living space all year round.
To keep your living space comfortable in any season, heat pumps and air conditioners both work by utilizing refrigerant to displace the indoor temperature. But what sets a heat pump apart is its unique capacity to switch roles from cooling systems in the summertime, to heating units during winter – simply reversing the flow of refrigerant allows it to absorb warmth from the outside air and bring it into your home! On top of that, an AC can only cool so you’ll need a furnace for those chilly months.
Heat pumps are not the ideal choice for areas with extremely cold climates as they only move heat and do not generate it, making them ineffective in temperatures below 30 degrees. Besides having decreased efficiency when exposed to lower-than-freezing weather, because of its need to draw heat from outside air into your home, a greater amount of energy is spent by the system – thus limiting its overall effectiveness.
What are the benefits of installing an air conditioning system in your home?
Colorado homeowners should opt for an air conditioner over a heat pump since the latter can’t effectively transfer heat into your home when temperatures plummet below 30° F. After all, despite being two systems in one, heat pumps struggle to maintain optimal performance in freezing weather due to the average low temperature during winter of 18°F.
Installing a heat pump is an efficient and cost-effective way to replace both a furnace and an air conditioning system. However, if you are looking for only one of the two systems because your home has recently been outfitted with new heating equipment, purchasing just an AC might be a more suitable option due to its affordability. If you use gas to heat your home, a Heat Pump might not be the best choice for you. Why? Because they are electric systems and natural gas is typically cheaper than electricity. Instead of replacing both with a Heat Pump, it’d be smarter to stick with an AC system coupled with the heating option that’s currently in place.
