Summer is coming, temperatures are rising, and you are not sure what the best option is for cooling your home in Calgary. Among so many options in the market, it can be difficult to decide whether you should go for a traditional air conditioner or a heat pump to keep your home comfortable. In this blog, we share valuable information regarding the differences between both systems so that you can make your choice confidently.
In simple terms, heat pumps are central systems that can cool your property by taking heat out of the indoor air and rejecting it outside while also removing humidity from the indoor air. See the infograph from natural-resources.canada.ca:
Which System Is More Energy Efficient?
When it comes to efficiency it is important to take into consideration the energy spent by the system and its capability of cooling the area where it was installed. Even though there’s a wide variety of models for both systems, heat pumps generally offer more efficiency as they use less energy while still being able to cool your home. As a bonus, heat pumps also offer better efficiency for heating purposes as they generally use less energy than furnaces and standalone heaters.
Maintenance and Durability
Both systems require regular maintenance from time to time and many of the procedures are similar between them. For instance, both traditional air conditioners and heat pumps will require you to clean their filters and check for refrigerant leak. As for durability, heat pumps tend to last slightly longer than air conditioners, mainly due to their energy efficiency. However, there are a variety of factors that can drastically interfere with the lifespan of your cooling system, such as the temperatures in your area and how heavily you rely on it.
What About Overall Cost?
When it comes to cost, heat pumps are generally more expensive than air conditioners. Additionally, the installation process is typically more complex than AC units, which might also increase labor fees. On the other hand, air conditioners are easier to install and can cost 30% less than most heat pumps, making them an appealing cooling solution.
Which System Should I Go For?
Choosing between a heat pump or an air conditioning system will come down to analyzing your specific needs. If you already have a heating system in your place and are simply looking for a solution to cool down your home during hot summer days, air conditioners are generally more affordable and could be a wiser solution. However, if you are also in need of a heating solution, it is recommended that you invest in a system that helps you both ways.
Cooling Solutions in Calgary
Now that you have gathered important technical information regarding heat pumps and traditional air conditioners, why not take the next step? At Harmony Heating & Air Conditioning Inc, we can help you with a wide range of cooling and heating solutions. Whether it’s summer or winter, we can help you keep your home comfortable all year round. Reach out to us!