At the end of the day it s pretty simple.
Difference between heat pump and ac unit.
Both systems are designed to transfer the heat from inside your home to the outside when in cooling mode.
An air conditioner is typically paired with a furnace to provide heat during the cold months.
So what exactly is the difference between heat pumps and air conditioners.
Think of air conditioners as heat pumps that can only pump heat in one direction from the inside to the outside.
A heat pump s outdoor unit is also more expensive to install upfront than the outdoor unit of an ac system.
Together an air conditioner and furnace are a complete heating and cooling system.
The performance of the heat pump and air conditioner will only be identical if all of the efficiency aspects are identical as well.
The difference is in the valve.
However a heat pump is fitted with a reversing valve that allows it to transfer the heat from outside into your home when in heating.
A heat pump can heat and cool the refrigerant used to condition your home while an air conditioner can only cool it.
A central air conditioner generally lasts longer than a heat pump making it a more durable option for those who want to keep their costs under control.
Although the difference between heat pump and a c systems is significant they work in a similar fashion.
A heat pump can heat and cool but an air conditioner cannot which is the primary difference between the two hvac systems.