Heat pumps have the capacity to fill the role of an air conditioner in addition to replacing a furnace or other heating system. Heat pumps are also growing in popularity because of their impressive efficiency and the availability of tax credits for installations. While homeowners in Leesburg, FL and the surrounding areas have long used a more traditional combination of an AC unit and an electric furnace, heat pump adoption is rising. Let’s look at whether the traditional setup with an AC unit or the newer trend toward heat pumps is right for your home.
A traditional AC system uses refrigerant to move heat from your home’s interior to an outside unit. This is a one way operation that only provides cooling. Most homeowners pair the AC unit with a heating system, typically an electric furnace. Since the cooling season in Florida is noticeably longer than the heating season, the air conditioning component tends to get the most attention. This combination usually has a lower upfront cost.
In most homes, cooled air flows through ductwork. A blower motor and fans push that air into different rooms to improve comfort. Ductless mini split AC systems are becoming more common. These systems use longer refrigerant lines to eliminate the need for ducts. Instead, a heat exchanger in each room handles the job of distributing cooled air.
The heat transfer process for a heat pump is the same as in an AC unit. However, one key difference is that a heat pump has a reversing valve that allows it to change the flow of heat. This means it can move heat out of the home for cooling or pull heat into the home for heating. Even during colder weather, there is still enough heat in the outside air to warm your home.
A heat pump does not generate heat. It transfers heat. This is one reason heat pumps can reach efficiency levels of 200 to 500 percent during heating in mild weather. A heat pump does not need to burn fuel or keep a heating element warm.
In cooling mode, a typical heat pump is about as efficient as an air conditioner. Compared to a traditional AC unit combined with a furnace, a heat pump is more efficient during winter and just as efficient during summer.
Ductless mini split versions of heat pumps are also available, and they work similarly to mini split air conditioners.
Heat pumps operate best when outdoor temperatures remain above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Leesburg winter daytime temperatures are typically between 50 and 65 degrees. Nighttime lows occasionally drop below freezing but usually not for long. Even the record lows in the area do not reach levels that significantly reduce heat pump performance. Overall, Leesburg is an excellent location for heat pump use.
The SEER rating of an AC system indicates how efficiently it runs in cooling mode. A SEER rating of 14 is the minimum for this region of Florida. Higher SEER ratings, such as 22 or more, provide better efficiency but tend to come with a higher upfront price. Whether you are purchasing a heat pump or an AC unit, the SEER rating matters most for cooling efficiency.
Heat pumps deliver an average of about three units of heat for every unit of electricity used. The most efficient electric furnaces typically deliver about 0.95 to 0.98 units of output per unit of electricity input. Since a heat pump cools as efficiently as a traditional AC, most of the long term savings come from the heating season.
In central Florida, the heating season can last up to five months. For a typical home, that can mean annual savings of around 500 to 1,000 dollars compared to using a combination of AC and electric resistance heat. A heat pump may cost a few thousand dollars more than a traditional system, but federal tax credits can help reduce upfront expenses. Over a 15 year system lifespan, a heat pump could save a homeowner an estimated 6,000 to 12,000 dollars.
Both air conditioners and heat pumps typically maintain indoor comfort within a two degree range when properly sized. Heat pumps often operate on longer cycles and lower fan speeds, which can mean fewer noticeable temperature swings.
AC systems and heat pumps perform similarly in humidity control. Variable speed systems typically remove about 20 percent more moisture, and variable speed models are available for both heat pumps and air conditioners. However, variable speed features are more common in heat pump systems.
Maintenance requirements are the same for heat pumps and air conditioners. Common maintenance needs include:
- Filter changes
- Annual refrigerant checks
- Cleaning of outdoor components
A heat pump often lasts 15 to 20 years when properly maintained, which is similar to the lifespan of central air systems. Heat pumps also eliminate the need for maintaining a furnace, which can simplify service needs.
One key maintenance difference is the reversing valve, which is a component unique to heat pumps. While it can wear out over time, replacing a reversing valve is typically a straightforward repair for trained HVAC technicians.
In most cases, the heat pump is the better option. Its year round efficiency and comfort performance make it a strong choice for homes in Leesburg and similar Florida climates. This is especially true when installing both heating and cooling at the same time because you avoid the cost of purchasing and maintaining two separate systems.
Traditional air conditioning does have one advantage: it usually costs less upfront. However, heat pumps offer better long term efficiency, especially for homeowners planning to stay in their home for at least the next decade. Tax credits also make heat pumps more attractive. Using a single system instead of both an AC and furnace can also simplify design and reduce maintenance.
Sizing matters with either choice, but it becomes even more important with a heat pump because it handles both heating and cooling. A professional load calculation helps ensure your system is properly sized. Ductwork condition also matters. Sealing issues and other duct problems can reduce efficiency and comfort, so it is important to address them when upgrading.
M&S Air Conditioning puts more than two decades of HVAC experience to work for customers in Leesburg, FL and the surrounding areas. We are fully licensed and insured, and homeowners trust us because we stand behind our work with a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee. We perform both residential and light commercial work, including installations, replacements, maintenance, and repairs.
If you are trying to choose between an AC system and a heat pump for your Leesburg home, contact M&S Air Conditioning today to discuss your options.
