Central air vs heat pump – which one is best? Warmer days are beckoning, and this might have you wondering how you can effectively keep cool during the Greater Toronto Area summer. You might be running a dated cooling system, given that those in the market have likely made significant strides in delivering performance and energy efficiency. You might contend with two options when deciding which method to use: the central air and ductless heat pumps. Both are ideal options running on different cooling technology; thus, your choice boils down to your needs.
Related: Furnace vs Heat Pump
How Do Central Air Conditioners Work?
Central air-cooling systems are standard in many homes across the Greater Toronto area. Central air systems last a long time, and are fairly inexpensive to install. The prominent drawback is that they only provide cooling, relying on an AC unit outside the building to pump cooled air and circulate it throughout a house via ductwork.
On the other hand, ductless air-source heat pumps provide heating and cooling. They are often called “mini-split heat pumps” that use external heat pumps linked to an indoor air handler mounted on a wall. That is why ductless heat pumps are the best choice if you do not want to install ductwork in your building.
Watch the video below for a simple explanation of how a home air conditioner works. An air conditioner video for dummies, meaning it’s not a video for technical engineers.
Central Air vs. Heat Pump Zoned Comfort
A conventional central air conditioner’s capacity to efficiently deliver cooled air throughout your home depends on your building’s size. If it is too expensive, the AC must work more, which means higher energy consumption. Moreover, the setup is subject to limitations like using one temperature setting for the entire home, also cooling the unoccupied rooms.
The ductless heat pump offers a better solution if you have an expansive home since the heat pump only cools the immediate area, which can be one or two rooms. You can set different temperatures for each ductless heat pump. The drawback to using this option is you may require several heat pumps if you want to cool a large home. However, it will be targeted heating and cooling for the room; thus, this can be a custom home cooling solution for zoned comfort.
Summer vs. Year-Round Solutions
Central air conditioners are perfect for warm weather since they cool your whole house. But that also means you will need to install a separate heating system like a boiler or furnace for the chilly months. The ductless heat pump system is the best solution if you want something the provides you with the best of both worlds. It is thus ideal if you reside in the Greater Toronto Area, where seasons transition from cold to hot. As such, you will need a single system that is easy to maintain and eliminates installing a furnace.
Ductless heat pumps are the way of the future. So, what’s the big deal? Apparently, they can save you money, but just how much? Do they have an impact on the environment, and do they affect the health of the occupants of the home? Watch the following video to find out.
Fixed vs. Flexible – Central Air vs Heat Pump
The ductless heat pump systems have small flexible tubes to deliver air indoors. Central air-cooling systems have bulky ductwork running throughout the home to provide conditioned air. Therefore, installing the central AC system in a house that does not have a forced-air system requires setting up ductwork, which can be costly and invasive. The ductless heat pumps (mini-splits) are a quick and straightforward installation.
Efficient Cooling Upgrades Save Money
You could save 20% to 40% on energy costs by replacing your old central AC with a newer unit with improved efficiency ratings. Ductless heat pumps are the perfect upgrade if you want to save money and enjoy higher efficiency when cooling and heating your home. Nevertheless, it is best to ass your budget and family needs to ensure you pick the right solution.