When purchasing an air conditioner for your home, you have two main categories of systems to choose from. This includes a traditional central air conditioner and a heat pump, which includes standard heat pumps and ductless mini-splits. Below, we’ll dive into more detail about these two system types so you can make a better purchasing decision about which one is right for you.
Central Air Conditioners
Most people are familiar with traditional central air conditioners, as they’re one of the most popular cooling systems on the market. This appliance has an indoor air handler unit and an outdoor condenser unit connected by refrigerant lines. The indoor air handler pulls air into your ductwork and passes it over an evaporator coil. Inside the coil is a substance known as refrigerant that works to absorb heat from the air.
Once the heat is removed from the air, the now-cold air gets distributed back out to the rooms of your home through ductwork. The hot refrigerant is pumped to your outdoor condenser unit, where it passes over the condenser coil. Outside air is drawn into the unit and passed over this coil so the heat from the refrigerant transfers to the low-pressure air. This process happens repeatedly to adequately cool your home throughout the summer months.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps operate in the same way as central air conditioners and have many of the same components. The main difference is a heat pump can heat your home during the winter months as well. It does this by switching the flow of its refrigerant in the reverse direction to extract heat from the air outside and bring it into your home.
Heat pumps can work with traditional ductwork like a central air conditioner or with a ductless mini-split setup. The latter uses multiple indoor air handler units throughout all the main rooms of your home. These units circulate air in, remove the heat, and distribute the cold air into individual rooms.
There are two different styles of heat pumps that are categorized based on where they transfer heat. Air-source heat pumps transfer heat to the air, while geothermal or ground-source systems transfer heat to the soil. Air-source heat pumps are the most popular for homeowners because they have a very easy installation process and are affordable. Geothermal heat pumps are much more expensive and require an invasive installation process, making them a less popular option for homeowners.
Lifespan
One crucial factor to compare is the lifespan of both systems, assuming the unit receives proper maintenance and prompt repair service when necessary. In general, central air conditioners have a usable lifespan of 15 to 20 years. Air-source heat pumps last for about 10 to 15 years. When looking at these estimated lifespans, it’s essential to remember that a heat pump is operating all year long, while a central air conditioner is only operating during the summer.
Efficiency
One important factor to consider is the operating efficiency of both units. The more efficient the system is, the less energy it will use. You will be able to save money on your energy bills throughout the summer. Both central air conditioners and ducted air-source heat pumps have similar operating efficiencies.
Ductless mini-splits offer a higher operating efficiency during the summer because they don’t rely on ducting. Over time, ductwork is well-known to open gaps and leaks that can lead to air loss of your conditioned air. With less of your cold air making it to the rooms in your home, your air conditioner must work extra to compensate for that loss.
Geothermal heat pumps offer the highest operating efficiency of all the systems. This is because they can remove more heat from the refrigerant through soil than central air conditioners or air-source heat pumps can when it comes to putting heat into the air.
Price
As with any purchasing decision, the overall upfront price will have a big impact on your purchasing decision. If you already have ducting in your home, purchasing a central air conditioner is typically cheaper than a heat pump. Air-source heat pumps range around one and a half to two times the price of a central air conditioner. Geothermal heat pumps are the most expensive system option and can be two to three times the cost of a central air conditioner.
Tax Incentives
The federal government is rewarding homeowners who purchase energy-efficient appliances through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. This allows you to claim a tax credit up to the maximum set amount when you purchase one of these new systems. The type of unit you purchase will have a significant impact on the maximum credit amount you can claim. All units must have ENERGY STAR certification to be eligible for the credit.
Eligible recipients can receive a credit amount equal to 30% of the cost of their new system plus installation, up to the maximum set amount allowed. Central air conditioners that meet the minimum SEER2 standards for your region can make you eligible to receive up to $600. Air-source heat pumps that meet the minimum standards are eligible for a credit of up to $2,000, while geothermal systems have a higher cap of $3,200.
Maintenance
To keep your new appliance in good working order, it needs to receive regular maintenance. Central air conditioners require annual maintenance from one of our professional technicians and routine filter changes throughout the summer months. Heat pumps require service twice a year, once in the spring for your AC and once in the fall for your heating. Heat pumps also require regular filter changes. Ductless mini-splits usually have washable filters that must be cleaned every month for optimal system efficiency.
Existing Infrastructure
One other factor you want to consider when making your purchasing decision includes whether you have ducting in your home. If you already have ductwork for your heating system, then integrating it with a central air conditioner or ducted heat pump is simple to do. However, if your home doesn’t have ducting, it can be expensive and invasive to install once your home is constructed.
This will require ripping out some of your flooring and wall sections to allow ducting to be installed. Apart from paying for the ducting installation, you also must pay a contractor to repair these sections of your home. Ductless AC options can be a great, non-invasive, and cost-effective alternative.
Another factor to consider is the age of your existing heating system. If your existing system is getting up there in age, you may find that purchasing a heat pump that offers both heating and cooling can better meet your needs than having to purchase a separate air conditioner and heater. However, if your heating system is in great condition, purchasing a central air conditioning system can be more cost-effective.
Expert HVAC Installation Service
Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators offers an expert HVAC installation service for the Bountiful, UT community. We can also help with all your heat pump and central air conditioning replacement, repair, and maintenance needs. Call us today at Blue Best Plumbing, Heating, Air, & Generators to book your next service appointment with one of our helpful technicians in Bountiful.
