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Central air conditioning systems are tried-and-true methods of cooling a home. When the temperatures and humidity levels climb, you can count on your central AC to keep your home nice and cool.
When it’s time to choose a new cooling system for your home, you might be considering a heat pump instead of a central AC in Warner Robins, GA. You’ve undoubtedly heard about heat pumps since they’re a popular option now. But what you might not know is whether a heat pump can handle Georgia’s heat as well as a traditional AC system.
Let’s look at both types of systems so you can be an informed consumer when it’s time to make the choice.
How Does a Central AC Work?
Knowing how these systems work can help inform your decision. Central air conditioning systems earned the “central” part of their name because the system is located in one central area of your home. It then delivers cooled air throughout your home via a system of ductwork from its central location.
They’re also called “split systems” because they consist of two components: an outdoor unit that houses the outdoor heat exchanger, fan, and compressor. The indoor unit contains the indoor heat exchanger and blower.
How Does a Heat Pump Work?
Heat pumps have a similar setup as central ACs, so much so that they’re sometimes called “central heat pumps.” They consist of two separate units connected by power and refrigerant lines. However, the components within those units differ, as does the way they cool your home.
Air source heat pumps transfer heat from the air inside your home and release it outside. Heat pumps are 2-in-1 systems that can provide both heating and cooling. In heating mode, the process is simply reversed thanks to a handy feature called a reversing valve.
What Are the Benefits of Central AC?
Central AC systems generally last longer than heat pumps. However, this is because heat pumps are used all year round in many areas. Because the heating component of a heat pump isn’t used as much in hot climates, this isn’t as much of a consideration.
Also, the upfront costs of central AC units are less expensive than a heat pump. The unit itself usually costs less, as does the installation. The cost of a central AC depends on how energy efficient you want it to be. This energy efficiency is measured by its SEER2 rating.
However, even with a highly energy-efficient (and expensive) central AC system, you’re likely to spend less on energy costs with a heat pump over the lifespan of the system.
What Are the Benefits of Heat Pumps?
Heat pumps are more energy-efficient than central AC systems because they don’t use as much electricity. With our high humidity levels, they can also remove excess moisture from the air compared to central AC systems, resulting in less energy use.
In general, heat pumps function better in moderate climates but are not as efficient in cold climates, something we don’t need to worry about in Georgia. Heat pumps also run more consistently without wasting energy. As a result, your home may not experience the temperature fluctuations or drafts that occur when a central AC system cycles off.
Ultimately, when choosing between a central AC and a heat pump, it literally pays to consider your long-term energy efficiency needs.
Contact Premier Heating & Air to schedule heat pump or central AC installation and Experience the Premier Difference.