Heat pumps and air conditioners are two popular HVAC systems across Canada. While heat pumps operate year-round to provide heating and cooling, air conditioners are only able to cool.
This raises the question of whether a heat pump can cool as efficiently as an air conditioner. To learn more about heat pump efficiency ratings, keep reading!
What Is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump unit is a type of heating and cooling system that transfers heat from one area to the next. Unlike traditional HVAC appliances, heat pump systems provide year-round comfort control in homes from a single unit.
Here is a closer look at how a heat pump technology works:
Heat Transfer
When you set your heat pump to its heating mode on your thermostat, the air source heat pump extracts thermal energy from the outdoor air (even when outdoor temperatures are cold) using a refrigerant.
Compression of Refrigerant
The refrigerant is then compressed by a compressor component, which increases its temperature and pressure. This process causes the refrigerant to become a very hot, high-pressure gas.
Releasing Heat
The hot refrigerant gas is circulated through a condenser coil in the indoor unit of the heat pump. As the hot gas flows through the coil, it releases thermal energy into the warm indoor air.
Expansion Process
After releasing the heat, the refrigerant loses its temperature and pressure, converting it back into a liquid form.
Cooling Mode
In cooling mode, the heat pump operates in reverse using a reversing valve. With the reversing valve in place, the heat pump absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it to the outdoor air, cooling the indoor environment.
In other words, when an air source heat pump system is in its cooling mode, it works similarly to air conditioning systems.
What Is an Air Conditioning?
An air conditioner unit is a type of traditional HVAC system. There are different types of air conditioners, including window units, portable air conditioners, central air conditioning, and ductless mini-split air conditioning. While each air conditioner operates slightly differently, they all use a refrigerant fluid to control the indoor humidity levels and temperature in your home.
Here is a closer look at how central air conditioning works:
Evaporation of Refrigerant
The refrigerant absorbs heat from your indoor air, turning from liquid to gas (just like in a heat pump system).
Compression of the Refrigerant
The compressor part raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant, making it a hot, high-pressure gas.
Condensation
The hot refrigerant releases heat outdoors and condenses back into a liquid form.
Expansion
Then, passing through an expansion valve, the refrigerant becomes a cool, low-pressure liquid once. again.
Cooling
In the indoor unit, the refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from indoor air to cool it.
Dehumidification
Moisture condenses on the cold coils, reducing humidity levels of your indoor air, and ensuring your indoor air quality is refreshing and comfortable.
Air Circulation
The cooled air is circulated back into the indoor space for comfort.
Are Both Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Energy Efficient?
Yes, both a heat pump and air conditioner are energy efficient. However, their cooling efficiency will vary depending on numerous factors. Here is a closer look:
Heat Pumps
- Heat pumps are highly energy efficient because they transfer heat rather than generate it like a traditional HVAC system. In heating mode, heat pumps can be more energy efficient than traditional heating systems, such as furnaces, and have a higher heating seasonal performance factor.
- Heat pumps are particularly efficient in climates where the outdoor temperatures stay relatively moderate throughout the year.
- The efficiency of a heat pump may decrease in very cold temperatures.
- When cooling, most heat pumps work efficiently. However, during an extreme heat wave, they will need to work harder to absorb heat to cool your interior, which may increase your energy costs.
Air Conditioners
- Air conditioners are designed specifically for cooling, and their efficiency is measured by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). So, the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the air conditioner will be.
- Like heat pumps, the efficiency of air conditioners can be affected by factors such as proper sizing, installation quality, routine maintenance, and the local climate.
Is a Heat Pump Sufficient for Cooling?
Yes, in most cases a heat pump can be sufficient in cooling your home and maintaining a comfortable indoor air quality. During the warmer months, heat pumps extract the warm air from inside of your home, before releasing it outdoors, thereby cooling the indoor environment.
However, as outdoor temperatures increase, a heat pump can have trouble cooling the interior of a home, especially in climates where extreme heat is common. Therefore, it's essential that before homeowners have a heat pump installed, they take into account their local climate conditions, budget, and heating and cooling needs.
Book Your Heat Pump and Air Conditioner Services With the Team From Oosterveld Today!
Oosterveld Heating and Air Conditioning is a leading HVAC company that specializes in customized, home comfort services.
Our team of certified technicians is available for repairs and maintenance services 24/7/365 days a year including after-hours, weekends, and holidays at no extra charge! Experiencing a home heating or cooling emergency? Same-day emergency repair services are also available!
In the market for a new heat pump system or air conditioner unit? Book a consultation appointment with a home comfort advisor to learn more about our extensive list of heating and cooling system models. If the cost of an HVAC system is something you're concerned about, don't hesitate to ask us about our current discounts and financing options that can help you save big on your new purchase.
All consultations include a complimentary purchase estimate as well.
If you live in Acton, Belwood, Cambridge, Elora, Fergus, Guelph, Puslinch, or Rockwood, book an appointment with the team from Oosterveld Heating and Air Conditioning over the phone or use our online booking form!