top of page

What is the Difference Between an AC and a Heat Pump?


Air conditioning units installed outside of the house

Are you thinking about getting a heat pump or an AC installed on your premises in Brampton? Special Gas Services has compiled some useful information here about the differences between heat pumps and Acs to help you choose which one would be best suited for you.


How does an AC work?

The way an AC works involves the extraction of heat and moisture from the air inside your home, followed by the distribution of cool air throughout the space via a system of ducts. This system comprises two main components: an outdoor unit housing the condenser and compressor, and an indoor unit equipped with a fan and evaporator coil. Discover more with our air conditioning services.

 

How does a Heat Pump work?

The way heat pumps work involves the movement of heat from one place to another. When operating in cooling mode, these units remove heat from the interior of your house. Conversely, in heating mode, they function in the opposite manner, drawing heat from the outdoor air and transferring it indoors.

 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between an AC and a Heat Pump

  • Efficiency

  • Cost

  • Durability and life expectancy

  • Maintenance

  • Environment friendliness

 

Differences Between an AC and a Heat Pump 

 

Efficiency

AC: AC units are less efficient than heat pumps as they require a separate heat source. They are however suitable for all sorts of climates.

Heat pump: Heats pumps are more efficient than ACs. With a heat pump, you get both a cooling function and a heating one within a single unit, thus eliminating the need to invest in two HVAC systems.

 

Cost

AC: AC units are cheaper to install initially but have a higher utility cost. Since they require a separate heat unit, they also tend to carry higher maintenance costs over time.

Heat pump: Compared to AC units, heat pumps have a high upfront cost.

 

Durability and Life Expectancy

AC: Air conditioning units have a longer life span than heat pumps. This is partly because they are used less frequently in a year than heat pumps.

Heat pump: Heat pumps have a lower life expectancy than AC units as they wear out faster due to heavier use.

 

Maintenance

AC: Air conditioning units are easier to repair than heat pumps. However, routine maintenance is needed for two units instead of one since ACs use a separate heat system.

Heat pump: Heat pumps require more recurrent maintenance than AC units as they are used more frequently during the year.

 

Environment friendliness

AC: Since air conditioning units require a separate heat source, they are less energy-efficient and contribute to higher home energy costs.

Heat pump: Heat pumps offer long-term energy savings. They also use far less energy than AC units and use electricity rather than fossil fuel, making them more energy-efficient.

 

Contact Special Gas Services in Brampton

Ready to get a new AC unit or heat pump for your property? Special Gas Services has provided a wide range of products and services in Brampton since 1968, including the installation of various types of HVAC units.

 

Contact us today to get a quote!


 

 

bottom of page