Do Heat Pumps Cool as Well as Air Conditioners?

Hickory Heating and Cooling

From air conditioning repair to heat pump installation, Hickory Heating & Cooling has you covered.


Many Hickory, NC, residents want to find an alternative to traditional air conditioners to lower their energy costs without sacrificing their comfort. Although heat pumps operate similarly to conventional air conditioning systems, many people wonder if they are just as efficient. So, do heat pumps cool as well as air conditioners?


Hickory Heating & Cooling is Hickory’s reliable heat pump repair company. To answer this question and more, Hickory Heating & Cooling put together everything you need to know about heat pumps.


What Is a Heat Pump?


Heat pumps are all-in-one heating and cooling systems that keep your home feeling pleasant throughout the year. They provide heat during the winter and pump cool air into your home during the hot summer months, keeping your family comfortable no matter the outdoor climate. 


However, the question remains: do heat pumps cool as well as air conditioners? Yes. Most high-quality heat pumps are just as efficient as traditional air conditioners and provide the same level of comfort.


Heat pumps come in two primary variations:


  • Ducted heat pumps
  • Ductless mini-split heat pumps


Ducted heat pumps utilize your property’s ductwork to distribute cool air evenly throughout your home. Simply use your home’s thermostat to set your desired temperature and enjoy cool, comfortable air throughout summer.


Ductless mini-split heat pumps feature an indoor and outdoor unit that connects to your refrigerant line. The indoor device installs on a wall and allows you to control your indoor climate via a remote. Ductless mini-split heat pumps are the most cost-effective option and work great for individual rooms or spaces without ductwork.


The Differences Between Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps


Although both heat pumps and air conditioners keep homes cool during the scorching summer months, they differ from one another in a variety of ways. Understanding these differences will help you determine which system works best for your Hickory property. Below are some prevalent differences between heat pumps and air conditioners.


Heat Pumps Provide Heating and Cooling

Unlike traditional AC units, heat pumps have a heating mode that provides efficient heating to your home without additional systems. They extract heat energy from outside your home and transfer it into your interior. Air conditioners only provide cooling and pair with a furnace or another heating device to warm indoor spaces. 


That said, many homeowners use a heat pump as their primary heating device and a furnace for additional warmth when needed. The combo is very efficient during extremely cold temperatures and will ensure that you stay warm and comfortable all winter long.


Some Models Don’t Require Ductwork

Again, ductless mini-split heat pumps don’t require ductwork and can provide adequate cooling in nearly any space. Almost all central air conditioners require ductwork and won’t function on properties without a ductwork system. Ductless mini-split systems pump cool air into a room manually, allowing you to cool any room of your home (as long as it connects to the device).


Heat Pumps Offer Individual Cooling

One of the best aspects of heat pumps is their individual cooling abilities. Since ductless mini-split models pump cool air into a room manually, they allow you to set a different temperature for each room of your home (if they also have a heat pump). You can heat one room while cooling another, making arguments over the thermostat ancient history.


You won’t have to worry about upsetting family members wherever you change your room temperature, thanks to ductless mini-split heat pumps.


Benefits of Heat Pumps


Heat pumps also offer homeowners several benefits that traditional air conditioners simply can't provide. Below are just some advantages of installing heat pumps in your Hickory, NC, property.


  • More energy efficient
  • Smaller than air conditioners
  • More versatile (provides heating and cooling)
  • Environmentally friendly
  • Provides individual heating and cooling


If you're in the market for a new cooling system, a heat pump could check all your boxes. 


Contact Hickory Heating & Cooling for Unmatched Heat Pump Installation in Hickory, NC


Next time you ask yourself, “Do heat pumps cool as well as air conditioners?” contact Hickory Heating & Cooling. Our team will upgrade your home with a best-in-class heat pump so you can beat the heat all summer. Whether you need heat pump installation or want to know some common signs your heat pump is failing, Hickory Heating & Cooling is always here for you.


Give Hickory Heating & Cooling a call at (828) 827-5224 today!

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