If you’re thinking about replacing an air conditioner or adding a cooling system for the first time, you may be wondering whether to install a heat pump or air conditioner.

In this article, we break down the key differences between heat pumps and air conditioners. You'll learn about the installation costs, efficiency, performance, and more.

Please keep in mind that every home is different, and what applies generally might not apply to your home. if you'd like us to take a look at your home in Portland or Central Oregon, please feel free to give us a call at (541) 330-8767, or send us a message:

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Heat Pump vs AC: Overview

If the installation cost is your only priority, then you should go with an air conditioner. That said, if you go with an air conditioner, you’ll end up paying a lot more on your energy bills; plus the air conditioner won’t last as long or keep your home as consistently comfortable throughout the year.

Here’s the big picture.

Overview of Heat Pumps vs Air Conditioners

Heat Pump vs. AC: What’s the Difference?

Heat Pumps

Heat pumps are great because they can both heat and cool your home. In the summer, they work like air conditioners by using a refrigerant to pull heat from inside your home and release it outside, cooling your space.

In the winter, they reverse this process by drawing heat from the outside air—even when it’s cold—and bringing it inside to warm your home. This efficiency makes heat pumps a popular choice for providing year-round comfort. Read more: How Does a Ducted Heat Pump Work?

Air Conditioners

Air conditioners, on the other hand, are all about cooling. They remove heat from inside your home and push it outside. This involves circulating a refrigerant through the system, which absorbs the indoor heat and releases it outdoors.

Air conditioners are a solid choice for cooling, but they don’t provide heating. That means you’ll need a separate heating system for the winter months.

Key Differences

Year-Round Use:

Heat Pumps: Provide both heating and cooling, making them a one-stop solution for all seasons.
Air Conditioners: Only cool your home, requiring an additional heating system for winter.

Energy Efficiency:

Heat Pumps: Typically more energy-efficient because they move heat rather than generate it. They can save up to 50% on heating energy compared to electric resistance heating.
Air Conditioners: Efficient for cooling, but overall energy use can be higher due to the need for a separate heating system.

Carbon Emissions:

Heat Pumps: Generally more eco-friendly, especially when used with renewable energy sources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Air Conditioners: Often rely on fossil fuels for heating if paired with traditional systems, leading to a larger carbon footprint.

Costs:

Heat Pumps: Higher upfront cost but save money over time through lower energy bills and dual functionality.
Air Conditioners: Lower initial cost but will lead to higher total expenses due to the need for a separate heating system.

Heat Pump vs AC: Installation Costs

When it comes to installation costs, the choice between a heat pump and an air conditioner depends on what you need.

In particular, do you have a newer energy efficient furnace, and you just want to add cooling? Or do you have an older furnace, which needs to be replaced in addition to adding cooling?

Scenario 1: New Furnace, Adding Cooling

If you recently bought a home with a new furnace and now want to add cooling, installing a central air conditioner might seem like the obvious choice.

However, for only a few hundred dollars more, you could opt for a heat pump instead. For example, Rheem’s RP series heat pumps are a great option. They are more efficient than older central air conditioners, saving you up to 50% on your electricity bills every month. Plus, you can use the heat pump for heating during milder winter days, and switch to your new furnace when it gets really cold.

Scenario 2: Older Furnace, Adding Cooling

If your furnace is older and you're considering adding cooling, you have a few options.

Installing a new 96% efficient gas furnace typically costs between $5,000 and $6,000, with an additional $4,000 for a low-efficiency air conditioner.

On the other hand, a new heat pump generally costs between $10,000 and $12,000. While this is about 20% more upfront, investment pays for itself through energy savings and improved comfort.

For more, check out our Case Study: Replace Furnace with Heat Pump

Heat Pump vs AC: Operating Costs

When it comes to estimating your operating costs, a huge amount depends on which systems you’re considering. Let’s compare a standard air conditioner and a standard ducted heat pump to see how they stack up.

Standard AC:

Rheem 13 SEER Central AC
Efficiency: 13.0 SEER

Standard Heat Pump:

Mitsubishi SVZ Heat Pump
Efficiency: 18.4 SEER

The Mitsubishi SVZ Heat Pump, with its higher efficiency rating, generally saves homeowners around 30% on their monthl electricity bills compared to the Rheem 13 SEER Central AC.

This efficiency translates into significant savings over time, especially with the current cost of electricity in Oregon estimated at 14.23 cents per kWh. Learn more by checking out our article: Heat Pump vs AC Cost // Heat Pump vs Furnace Cost.

Heat Pump vs AC: Performance

Heat pumps, especially high-performance models like those from Mitsubishi, are designed to run at multiple speeds, matching your home’s heating and cooling needs.

This means more consistent temperatures and less wasted energy. This load-matching capability ensures your home stays comfortable all year round.

Can a heat pump handle extreme summer temperatures effectively?

Absolutely! Heat pumps are designed to handle extreme summer temperatures just as well as traditional air conditioners. They work by using a refrigerant to absorb heat from inside your home and release it outside, keeping your indoor environment cool and comfortable.

Modern heat pumps are built to be highly efficient, even during the hottest days. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, they can provide consistent cooling in a wide range of temperatures, thanks to advancements in technology that improve their performance and efficiency.

However, if you live in an area with extremely high temperatures, it's important to choose a heat pump that's rated for those conditions. High-efficiency models, often labeled with the ENERGY STAR certification, are designed to perform well even in scorching heat, so that your home stays cool without driving up your energy bills.

So, if you're worried about a heat pump keeping up during the peak of summer, rest assured that it’s up to the task. Just make sure to get the right model. We’ll help you go the right one for your home: (541) 330-8767,

What are the noise levels of heat pumps compared to air conditioners?

Heat pumps and air conditioners are pretty similar in terms of noise levels, but there are a few factors that might make one quieter than the other in certain situations.

Heat Pumps

Modern heat pumps are designed to be pretty quiet. Most models produce noise levels between 50 and 60 decibels, which is about the same as a normal conversation.

The noise mainly comes from the outdoor unit, where the compressor and fan are located. Some high-end models even come with features like variable-speed compressors and sound-dampening technology to reduce noise levels even more.

Air Conditioners

Air conditioners also fall within the 50 to 60 decibel range for noise levels. Like heat pumps, the noise comes from the outdoor unit. Advances in technology have made newer air conditioners quieter than older models, and features like insulated compressors and variable-speed fans help keep the noise down.

Comparing the Two:

Overall, both heat pumps and air conditioners are designed to be as quiet as possible, especially when compared to older systems.

If noise is a big concern for you, it's a good idea to look for models that specifically advertise low noise levels or have features that help reduce sound. Proper installation and maintenance can also play a big role in keeping either system running quietly.