Difference Between Heat Pump And Air Conditioning Unit

Heat pumps primarily heat rooms while air conditioners cool rooms.

Difference between heat pump and air conditioning unit.

A heat pump can heat and cool but an air conditioner cannot which is the primary difference between the two hvac systems. Heat pumps use a reverse refrigeration cycle while air conditioners use the regular vapor compression cycle. So basically it s an air conditioner that can reverse itself. Central air conditioning units are the best way to keep your house at a consistently cool temperature.

Together an air conditioner and furnace are a complete heating and cooling system. Heat pumps use the condenser to generate heat while in an air conditioner it is used to expel heat. Think of air conditioners as heat pumps that can only pump heat in one direction from the inside to the outside. The only real difference is that a heat pump can reverse itself so it can provide heating when needed.

In many ways heat pumps are functionally the same as conventional air conditioners. An air conditioner is typically paired with a furnace to provide heat during the cold months. The performance of the heat pump and air conditioner will only be identical if all of the efficiency aspects are identical as well. Although there are some differences air conditioners were the technology that heat pumps were built from this is why the differences are so subtle.

A heat pump s outdoor unit is also more expensive to install upfront than the outdoor unit of an ac system. The major difference between an ac unit and a heat pump is that heat pumps can reverse their air flow direction and transfer heat from the outside to raise indoor temperatures by utilizing a reversing valve built into the compressor. The difference is in the valve. A central air conditioner generally lasts longer than a heat pump making it a more durable option for those who want to keep their costs under control.