A cooling system is a requirement for every home in the Katy, Texas area, where summer temperatures and humidity can test the resolve of even the toughest residents. Whether you’re building a new home, or need to replace the cooling system in your existing one, you may be contemplating choosing between a central air conditioning system or a heat pump, but which one is right for you?
Read on to learn the pros and cons of each, so that you can make an informed decision that will work best for your home, budget, and family.
What’s the Difference Between Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps?
Both central air conditioners and heat pumps work to cool your home, transferring refrigerant through a system of indoor and outdoor coils. In addition to these similarities, there are a few key differences between the two, including:
- Functionality. Heat pumps serve a dual purpose, cooling your home during the summer months, while providing heat in the winter.
Central Air Conditioners: How They Work
This type of system relies on a network of ducts to distribute cool, conditioned air throughout your home. A split system is the most common, consisting of both an indoor and outdoor component, and refrigerant is circulated between the outdoor condenser unit, and the indoor evaporator coil. The refrigerant works to both cool and dehumidify the air, while the blower keeps the cool air circulating.
Heat Pumps: How They Work
True to their name, this type of system pumps hot air out of your home during the summer months, and pumps heat in to your home in the winter months. The same basic principles of a central air conditioning system apply, where a series of indoor and outdoor coils transfer and circulate refrigerant. The difference between the two types of systems is that a heat pump can reverse the entire process, changing the function of the evaporator and condenser coils to raise, rather than lower, indoor temperatures.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both heat pumps and central air conditioners can effectively cool your home, provided they are professionally installed and maintained, and periodically upgraded to maximize energy efficiency. Whichever type of system you choose, consider the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) where a higher rating indicates a higher efficiency. The heating performance of a heat pump is rated by HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), and a rating of 8 or higher is recommended in a climate such as southeast Texas.
Cooling System Installation in Katy, TX
Regardless of whether your choose to install a central air conditioning system or a heat pump, you can count on BVS for professional, reliable installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance of your cooling equipment. Call BVS today at 281-391-1510 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.
Author Bio:
Ronald Via
Ronald is one of the key contributors to BVS Home Experts, a family-owned and operated full-service air conditioning and heating company serving the Katy and West Houston areas. With a deep understanding of air conditioning and heating concerns, Ronald brings a wealth of knowledge to our readers.
