Heat Pump vs Air Conditioner: Understanding the Differences in Riverside, CA

Many people don't understand the differences between a heat pump and an air conditioner. If you're one of those people, you're in luck. The following article from the best heating and air conditioning services in Riverside will help you understand the heat pump vs. air conditioner debate and allow you to choose the right system for your home.

Explaining the Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner Debate 

Understanding that a heat pump heats and cools a home while an air conditioner only cools a home helps you define heat pump vs air conditioner differences.

Heat Pump Basics

Some confusion surrounding heat pump vs. air conditioner comes from the name "heat pump." A heat pump sounds like it only heats a house by pumping heat into it. And yes, it pumps heat into the home by warming air from outside. However, it also pumps heat out so the hot air gets cooled.

Heat pumps work best in areas with moderate climates, like Riverside. They don't heat a home as powerfully as a furnace, which is why they aren't recommended for areas where temperatures drop below freezing. 

Heat pump users love the heat pump advantages they see on their energy bills. A heat pump can heat and cool a home quickly without excess cost. Heat pump efficiency provides environmental benefits because heat pumps reduce carbon emissions and don't release moisture that messes up air quality.

Air Conditioner Basics

Now that you understand the basics of heating vs. cooling with a heat pump, you should know more about what an air conditioner does. Some people think an AC blows cold air stored somewhere deep down in its system.

But that's not true because cold is the absence of heat.

Air conditioners move hot air out of the house for cooling and then move the air back into the house to prevent heat and humidity. Therefore, air conditioning systems only remove heated air via air conditioner features, like the condenser coil and refrigerant.

Air conditioners cannot heat your home. When Riverside temperatures drop into the 40s during the winter, you'll want a furnace or other heating system to help keep you comfortable. 

Contact Inland Empire Comfort Air Conditioning and Heating for All Your HVAC Needs

Inland Empire Comfort can explain even more about the heat pump vs. air conditioner confusion and answer questions like, "Does running an HVAC fan cool the house?" We are happy to check out your heat pump performance or discuss installing one if that is what you need. 

We can also work on your air conditioner. 

We are the leading HVAC service company in Riverside because we provide excellent customer care, prompt service, and streamlined expert application of current HVAC knowledge. We encourage you to check our reviews to see what makes us the best HVAC service in the area.

Instead of wondering about HVAC issues like heat pump vs. air conditioner, let our team take care of your system and answer your questions. Contact us soon at 951-336-8709 for a free quote and to book an appointment.