What Are the Differences Between an AC Unit and a Heat Pump? Which Is Right for Your Home?

The main difference between an AC unit and a heat pump is that an AC unit only cools the air in your home, while a heat pump can provide both heating and cooling.

This is just one of the many differences between the two appliances. To know which option is right for you, it’s a good idea to explore the ins and outs of each temperature control option and to consider the climate of Tarrant County, the size of your home and your budget.

What Is an Air Conditioner?

An air conditioner cools and dehumidifies the air in a room or building. It works by drawing in warm air, removing the moisture, cooling it and then circulating it back into the room. The warm air is cooled with the use of a refrigerant—a fluid that absorbs heat. Without a refrigerant, your AC system won’t be able to do its job.

There are a few different types of air conditioners:

• Central air conditioners: Large units installed in a home or business that cool the entire structure by pumping air through ductwork.

• Window units: Installed in an individual window and cools only one room or area. Window units are less expensive than central ACs but they’re not efficient at cooling larger areas.



• Portable air conditioners: Small units that can be moved from room to room as needed. These units are typically used as backups when the main unit breaks down.

If you own a home in Arlington, you’ll likely need a central air conditioning system to be comfortable during the hot summer months. These systems are designed to cool an entire home and are one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to cool a structure with multiple rooms. Keep in mind, central ACs won’t heat you home, so to stay warm during Arlington’s cold winter months, you’ll need to pair your system with a furnace.

What Is a Heat Pump?

Like an air conditioner, a heat pump cools your home when it’s hot outside, but it’s also made to provide heat during the cold winter months.

In cooling mode, the heat pump uses refrigerant to absorb the heat from inside your home. This hot refrigerant is then passed through a condenser coil on the outside of the building, where it releases its heat into the outside air, resulting in a cool and comfortable indoor environment.

In heating mode, the heat pump transfers heat from the outside air into the home. The refrigerant is able to absorb the comparative warmth of the outside air with supercooled refrigerant and transfer that newly captured heat into your home via ductwork (or a wall-mounted air handler with a mini-split heat pump).

The major convenience of a heat pump is that it’s a two-in-one HVAC system. This means you don’t need to install two separate systems to heat and cool your home. Heat pumps also use less energy because they transfer heat rather than generating it by burning fuel like a furnace.

Air Conditioning Versus Heat Pumps: Which One is Right for My Arlington Home?

Arlington’s subtropical climate brings about unpredictable and extreme weather. It’s not uncommon for temperatures to climb into the upper 90s or triple digits during summer and plummet all the way down to freezing during the cold winter months. These temperature extremes mean you need a reliable HVAC system to keep you comfortable year round. You may want to invest in a high-quality central air conditioner, which can typically handle extreme temperatures well and last longer than the average heat pump.

On the other hand, a heat pump can also provide both heating and sufficient cooling during summer. Heat pumps tend to be more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional furnaces and air conditioners, so if you’re looking to save on your monthly energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint, installing a heat pump may be the better option for you.

Ask Our Experts at Tom’s Mechanical, Inc. Which HVAC System Is Best for Your Arlington Home

If you’re looking to replace your HVAC system but you’re not sure which option to go with, we can help you choose the best system for your unique situation.

We provide installation services for a variety of residential HVAC units, including air conditioners, gas furnaces and heat pumps.

Have questions or would like to request service or a consultation? Call us at 972-388-3669.