A/C Central air/ Heat- Pump?

Question

what are the differences in these units and which is the best choice. Pros and cons.

Answer 1

I feel I need to clear up a misconception about how an air conditioning system/ heat pump works. An air conditioning system does not pull "air" in from outside and cool it. How any refrigeration system, air conditioner, refrigerator, or otherwise works is by transferring heat from one place to another. This is done with refrigerant. An air conditioning system gathers heat from the home via the evaporator coil and releases it outside, via the condenser. A heat pump has the ability to gather heat from outside in the winter and release it into the home. Therefore a heat pump located in the northern U.S. is not a real great choice, due to the extremely cold winters. But a heat pump located just about anywhere else is a good choice. Heat pumps are cheaper to operate than gas furnaces, and there are no worries of carbon monoxide poisoning from this type of appliance. For the most energy savings check into a geothermal heat pump. No outdoor unit with this type of system and man are they efficient. Some power companies actually give rebates to their customers who install these types of systems. I also know of one that gives lower electrical rates. Heat pumps are the way to go. Choose a quality system as not all heating and cooling equipment is created equal. I use American Standard/ Trane. And Command Aire for my geothermal.

Answer 2

A heat pump does not work well in extremely cold areas and are not cheap to run. A heat pump does not heat the house well in colder periods of the year depending on how cold it is outside. Think about how it will work for winter months. For cooling the house a heat pump and central air unit does the same thing by pulling in outside air, cooling it and circulating it through the house.