Heat Pump vs Central Air: Which is Best?

The Pros and Cons of Heat Pumps

Let’s look at the history of the heat pump.

Around the turn of the (last) century, central heating options became available, in contrast to fireplaces or stove heat. Fossil fuel—coal, fuel oil, and natural gas, whichever was common and available—heated air or water, which was distributed throughout the home.

After WWII, electric heat technology became viable in very cold climates; a metal that conducts but resists electricity grows very hot, providing enough heat to warm an entire house. Shortly after this, central heating and central air conditioning were offered in combination. In 2024, this remains the most common HVAC system in this region.

However, there is another option that is becoming popular: heat pump technology. Before you replace your current system, you should know the basics of this option. Here are the basics of heat pump technology.

• Popular thought is that air conditioners provide cold air to make our homes comfortable during the summer. The science of air conditioning is—it moves or transfers the heat inside the home to the outside. The absence of heat is cold, of course.
• Heat pump technology uses this same principle to bring heat from the outside to the inside of the home. It uses the same equipment for both air conditioning and heating.

You might wonder, “Is there enough heat outside during the winter to heat a home?” The answer is, “yes.” If you set an ice cube on the table during the summer, it melts, of course. If you set an ice cube outside while the temperature is 42 degrees, it still melts, just not as fast.

Heat pumps can efficiently find enough heat outside to warm a house until the temperature drops below 32 degrees. Below this temp, the heat pump still transfers heat to the inside, but not as efficiently as desired; it may require longer heating cycles to accomplish the heating task. When you take a look at the average daily temperature for this region, it becomes apparent that heat pumps can be used efficiently year-round.

Heat Pump Efficiency vs Forced-Air Heat

• Heat pump technology moves or transfers heat
• Forced-air furnaces must first create energy, using lots of energy, then moving it around

Heat pumps are much more efficient than forced-air furnaces.

Heat Pump Comfort vs Forced-air Heat

• Both systems heat the home to the desired temperature setting
• Forced-air heat typically heats a home slightly faster due to a lower volume of air movement

Heat Pump Longevity vs Forced-air Heat

• Forced-air heating components last approximately 15 to 20 years. Air conditioning components typically last slightly shorter, closer to 15 years. Most homeowners replace both at the same time, so air conditioning longevity sets the replacement date.
• Heat pump components are the same as air conditioning components; as stated above, air conditioning components last about 15 years.

There is no measurable difference between the two technologies.

Have Questions About Which is Better, Heat Pump vs Central Air?

Northwind Air Conditioning and Heat can help answer your HVAC related questions versus central heating and air conditioning. Contact us and get the help you need.