Difference Between Heat Pump And Air Conditioning Unit

The difference is in the valve.

Difference between heat pump and air conditioning unit.

When choosing between a heat pump vs ac units it s good to know about the positives of air conditioning. A heat pump s outdoor unit is also more expensive to install upfront than the outdoor unit of an ac system. Central air conditioning units are the best way to keep your house at a consistently cool temperature. Heat pumps use a reverse refrigeration cycle while air conditioners use the regular vapor compression cycle.

The only real difference is that a heat pump can reverse itself so it can provide heating when needed. 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. The heat pump and the air conditioner may rely on the same basic refrigeration principle but if all of the cooling details are identical there is still one key difference. The performance of the heat pump and air conditioner will only be identical if all of the efficiency aspects are identical as well.

An air conditioner is typically paired with a furnace to provide heat during the cold months. Together an air conditioner and furnace are a complete heating and cooling system. The major difference between an ac unit and a heat pump is that heat pumps can reverse their air flow direction and transfer heat from the outside to raise indoor temperatures by utilizing a reversing valve built into the compressor. When it comes to air sourced heat pumps the most common found in residential use the easiest way to think of them is as souped up air conditioners.

Although there are some differences air conditioners were the technology that heat pumps were built from this is why the differences are so subtle. Heat pumps use the condenser to generate heat while in an air conditioner it is used to expel heat. So basically it s an air conditioner that can reverse itself. Heat pumps primarily heat rooms while air conditioners cool rooms.