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Which air conditioning solution for your home: central air conditioner or heat pump?

Air conditioning
Although we are eager to get out of the house as much as possible, to enjoy the sun and the nice weather, the company of friends and the conviviality of terraces, the comfort of our homes never ceases to be one of the main sources of our well-being. There is nothing more pleasant than to come back in the evening to a house where the temperature and humidity are perfectly controlled and adapted to the needs of its residents. Fortunately, all this is possible thanks to increasingly reliable and varied air conditioning systems. Let’s take two examples: the central air conditioner and the heat pump. In order to decide on one or the other of these very popular solutions, offered to Quebecers, consider the following criteria:

a. Analyze your actual cooling needs

Like their owners, not all homes are the same. The location of the building, the number of rooms, the quality of the building’s insulation and the heating system are all factors that greatly influence the decision to invest in an air conditioning solution. For example, if the home already has a forced-air furnace and a network of ventilation ducts, the most suitable option would be to install an air conditioning unit. The air cooled by the unit will be distributed through the existing ductwork to all rooms in the house. The air conditioner is easy to install and maintain, inexpensive and quiet. However, if the house does not have these ducts or if you live in a condominium, you should opt for a wall-mounted unit.

b. Consider your budget

Generally, the purchase of a heat pump is seen as a good investment, since this versatile device can be used year-round, in cooling mode during the summer and in heating mode during the winter. While it is true that you can save money on heating costs by installing a heat pump, it is also true that the purchase price is quite high. At the same time, it is a device that has a lifespan of 15 years and ensures thermal comfort throughout the year, not just a few months, as is the case for an air conditioner. So, in the long run, buying a heat pump can be more profitable.

c. Review the performance of both systems

Both air conditioners and heat pumps are very efficient at cooling air, and many brands have increasingly advanced features to save you money and reduce your environmental impact. York ENERGY STAR qualified central air conditioning models are the best example. Air conditioners are less expensive, require fewer repairs and have a longer lifespan than heat pumps. On the other hand, heat pumps also serve to warm the home, which is always more important in Quebec than elsewhere, and provide significant savings during the winter.

d. Get advice from an air conditioning specialist

To choose the right air conditioning system for your home, it is best to get advice from an air conditioning specialist. Our professionals will be happy to help you with the purchase, installation or maintenance of your air conditioner or heat pump.

For more details on central heat pumps and to get advice from an air conditioning contractor, don’t hesitate to contact us!