Heat Pump vs. AC in Alberta: Which Should You Choose?

Air Conditioners, Home Comfort, HVAC

When it comes time to upgrade your home cooling system, how do you know what to choose? In this blog the Home Comfort Advisors at Action Furnace will go over the pros and cons of both heat pumps and air conditioners, helping you make a more informed decision.

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Posted by Ryan | August 16, 2024

As temperatures continue to rise, and energy conservation and efficiency becomes increasingly important, one question remains at the forefront: Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners, which should you choose?

In today’s blog, the Home Comfort Advisors at Action Furnace will explore both heat pumps and air conditioners, the features and benefits of each, and a brief installation and cost analysis, to help you make the best decision for your home. Whether you’re looking to save money on your monthly cooling bills, or increase your cooling performance, we’ve got you covered!

Understanding Your Options

Heat pumps and air conditioners both cool your home, so what exactly is the difference between the two?

What Is A Heat Pump

A heat pump is a versatile, two-in-one option for heating and cooling your home. While in cooling mode, heat pumps extract heat from inside and transfers it outside. By efficiently moving heat instead of generating cool air, these handy little units can significantly reduce energy consumption and cost.

Heat pumps also come in a variety of different types, suitable for various applications including: ground-source, ductless, electric and cold climate heat pumps.

Diagram showing heat pump operation: Extracts heat from inside during cooling mode, transfers it outside. Efficiently moves heat, reducing energy consumption and costs.

What Is Central Air Conditioning?

Central air conditioning works by drawing hot air from your home, passing it through an evaporator coil where it’s cooled, and then distributing the cold air through your ducts and vents.

High-efficiency air conditioners are just that, more efficient than basic or older AC models. A SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of 13 or higher is necessary for an AC to be considered high-efficiency. And higher-efficiency means significant cost savings!

Diagram illustrating central air conditioning process: Hot air drawn from home, cooled in evaporator coil, cold air distributed through ducts and vents.

Pros & Cons

Heat Pump Advantages

High Efficiency - As briefly discussed above, heat pumps are known for their high efficiency because they transfer heat rather than generate it. This can result in lower energy bills and less environmental impact compared to traditional cooling systems.
Dual Functionality - One of the biggest advantages of choosing a heat pump is it’s ability to both heat and cool your home. This means you only need one system to effectively manage the temperature in your home, simplifying installation and maintenance.
Environmental Benefits - Heat Pumps come in a variety of different types and renewable energy sources such as ground source, making them a more environmentally friendly option. They also emit fewer emissions than traditional home comfort systems.
Consistency - Heat pumps maintain a more consistent temperature, providing reliable comfort without the fluctuations often experienced with other heating and cooling systems.

Heat Pump Disadvantages

Higher Upfront Cost - The initial cost of purchasing and installing a heat pump is higher than traditional cooling systems.
Complexity & Maintenance - Being a more complex system, maintenance, installation and repair costs can be more than traditional systems, and regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to their ongoing performance.

Air Conditioner Advantages

Effectiveness in High Temperatures - Central air conditioners are super effective at quickly cooling indoor spaces, making them ideal for our hot and dry Alberta summers.
Lower Initial Cost - AC equipment and installation costs are typically less than heat pumps, making them an attractive option for homeowners on a budget, or who need a more immediate home comfort solution.
Easy Installation - Central AC installation is relatively easy and requires less specialized installation requirements.

Air Conditioner Disadvantages

Higher Overall Energy Consumption - Unlike heat pumps, air conditioners can only cool your home, meaning you have to rely on two systems to keep your home comfortable year round. This could lead to higher overall consumption and energy costs.
Environmental Impact - AC units use refrigerants that can negatively impact the environment and your health if not properly handled by our professionals.

Making The Right Choice For Your Home

Making the choice between a heat pump and an AC ultimately comes down to your budget, home size and personal preferences. And the experienced Home Comfort Advisors at Action Furnace are here to help!

We take the stress out of choosing your home comfort system by offering comprehensive equipment recommendations and ensuring your new heat pump or AC is properly sized for your home.

No Matter What You Choose, Get Trusted Installation in Calgary, Edmonton & Red Deer

Our Comfort Advisors and install technicians are the best in the business, and we’re dedicated to providing you with the best installation service possible. Here’s what you can expect should you decide to move forward with a new heat pump or air conditioner install.

Peace of mind installation includes 12 Year Parts and Labour warranties on your new cooling system equipment, extending the support past the installation process.

What To Expect

When you book your cooling system installation with Action Furnace, your personal Home Comfort Advisor will come to your home to begin the evaluation process.

During your evaluation your advisor will thoroughly examine your existing unit (if applicable), the size of your home and estimate the amount of usage in order to quickly determine the best equipment options for your home.

Your Advisor will take through measurements of the square footage of your home, your windows and inspect all registers and ducts. They will then present your comprehensive quote, individualized to your exact needs!

Whether it’s a heat pump or an AC, all recommendations are fully explained and consider your home’s efficiency, size and power needs. Your advisor will also go over our most popular models, and any special features that may be beneficial.

Finally with our No Surprise Guarantee the investment quoted is what you will pay. No additional chargers during or after installation, we promise!

Our team is dedicated to providing you clean and respectful service and will complete your installation with minimal interruption to your day to day life.

Our installation technicians are the best in skill attitude and workmanship. They will care for your home and complete the job with speed and precision. If they haven’t performed in accordance with these high standards, we will provide you with 1 year free club membership at no charge.

Once your installation is complete, your advisor will connect and troubleshoot your new heat pump or AC to ensure it is running properly and efficiently. Finally they will walk you through the operation, features and any warranties.

We’re also proud to offer industry-leading 100% Peace Of Mind 12 Year Parts and Labour warranties on your new cooling system equipment installation. So you can rest assured our support doesn’t end once your new heat pump or AC is installed.

The Importance Of Ongoing Maintenance

Our cooling system tune-ups are the most thorough in the business! Our technicians are highly experienced to ensure you get the best performance out of your new heat pump or air conditioner. You’ll enjoy:

Complete multi-point inspections
Coolant level checks
Component calibration and checks
Part lubrication

Regular tune-ups are great for preventing major repairs and damage, as well as increasing the lifespan of your new equipment, ensuring reliable cooling this season and beyond!