Have you ever wondered whether you could cool your home or business with a heat pump as an AC unit? Well, in the detailed post below, you will learn about the differences between heat pumps and air conditioning units, and we will answer the question of whether the former can be as efficient as the latter for cooling. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is A Heat Pump?
Heat pumps like the high-quality Mitsubishi Zuba are a component of HVAC systems that transport heat from one place to another. This means they can transport hot air out of your home, leaving it cooler, or move cool air outside, leaving it warmer. You must adjust your thermostat to change whether a heat pump makes your home warmer or cooler.
There are two parts to a heat pump, the indoor air handler and the outdoor unit. A compressor connects Both parts with refrigerant lines pushed around the system. To heat or cool the air, a compressor coil is used.
Different types of heat pumps use different heat sources. These include air, water and even geothermal heat. The latter is when the heat used in your HVAC system is drawn from deep in the ground. Heat pumps are an excellent choice for homeowners because they cool and heat the home.
What Is An Air Conditioning Unit?
Air conditioning units, often known as AC units, are systems that cool the home. The indoor evaporator coil absorbs the heat from the air inside the house, making it a more temperate space. AC units work by pulling the air in your home. This air is usually warm, so the AC unit evaporates before releasing it.
If you choose to cool your home or business with AC, it’s important to remember that, unlike a heat pump, it might not be able to heat your living space. You may need to invest in another heating system, such as a furnace.
How Do Heat Pumps and Air Conditioners Compare?
Heat pumps and air conditioners have many similarities, including using refrigerants to cool air. AC unit only circulates refrigerant in one direction, and heat pumps circulate refrigerants in both directions. This means the indoor coil can heat (heat pump) or cool (air conditioning ).
Heat pumps like the Mitsubishi Zuba can heat and cool a space. This is because they are fitted with a smart kit called a reversing valve. When activated, the reversing value changes the flow of the refrigerant in the heat pump system. This allows warm air to move inside when it’s cold and bridges cold air in when it’s warm.
In contrast, air conditioners will only cool your home. This means they are only suitable for use in hot weather and cannot be used when the weather is cold.
The Energy Efficiency Of Heat Pumps Vs Air Conditioners
Energy efficiency is vital for many householders when choosing whether to install a heat pump or air conditioning system in their homes. Indeed, a system that uses less energy is not only better
for the environment, but it is cheaper to run too.
We must use the SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) when comparing heat pumps’ energy efficiency to air conditioners. To work out a system’s SEER score, you need the total heat removed from a space and the total electricity used by the heat pump or air conditioner.
You then divide the former by the latter. The good news is that manufacturers will work this out for you, and all you need to look for is a high SEER score because this means your system will be more energy efficient. For example, the SEER score of the Mitsubishi Zuba is a great 19.1 – 17.0 SEER.
Interestingly, when you compare them, heat pumps tend to have a higher SEER score than AC units. This is because they use much less electricity for cooling than AC units, making them more efficient.
Indeed, heat pumps are also a more efficient option when compared to other heating sources, with the U.S. Department of Energy stating that a saving of up to 50% can be made compared to traditional heating methods.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many similarities between heat pumps and air conditioning. However, they are two distinct systems, and between them, both heat pumps, like the Mitsubishi Zuba, provide a more efficient way to cool your home or business. Contact us today to get yours.
