Can You Use a Heat Pump for AC?

When you hear the term “heat pump,” the last thing you might think of is air conditioning. But did you know that a heat pump, also called a ductless mini split, works for both heating and cooling? It uses special technology to perform both tasks with just a single condenser, a wall unit, and a little bit of tubing. Here’s how it works and where to learn more about clean, affordable air conditioning in New York.

How Heat Pumps Work to Heat & Cool

Unlike other types of heating systems, a heat pump doesn’t generate heat; it simply moves it around. Even on the coldest days, there is still heat outdoors. A heat pump collects this warmth and pumps it inside into your home to reach the desired temperature. It’s one of the cleanest forms of heating, above wood and pellet stoves and even central heat and air.

To cool a space, a heat pump simply works in reverse. It removes heat from indoors and pumps it through the ductless system where it’s released outdoors. This keeps your home at a cool, comfortable temperature while also controlling humidity and improving indoor air quality.

Types of Heat Pumps

There are three main types of heat pumps, which are categorized based on their source of heat. The heat pump described above is the most common type, which is an air source heat pump. An air source heat pump pulls heat from the air outdoors to pump it indoors and vice versa.

The two other less common types of heat pumps are geothermal heat pumps and water source heat pumps. Water source heat pumps require a large body of water nearby, which many people in New York don’t have access to. Geothermal pumps pull heat from the ground, which again, may not be practical in a city. Both of these systems draw heat from a different source to heat but when reversed, draw heat from indoors and pump it outside into the air, much like an air source heat pump.

Adding a Heat Pump for Extra Air Conditioning

One of the most common installations we do here at Jones Services is adding a heat pump to an existing heating and cooling system. For example, if a homeowner has an existing central HVAC system, adding a heat pump to one or two rooms can give the homeowner more cooling capacity without overworking their central air conditioner. This is an excellent set up for home additions like a sunroom or converted attic.

Window Units vs Heat Pumps

If your goal is to just add extra cooling to a single room, you might consider opting for a window AC instead of a more expensive mini split heat pump. Although window air conditioners are initially less expensive than a heat pump, they are significantly less cost efficient and will eventually cost more to run over time than what you would have invested in a heat pump up front.

Window units are also loud and pose a safety risk to your home; burglaries tend to occur more often in homes with window air conditioners that can easily be removed from the window frame from the outside. They use a great deal of energy and allow cool air to seep through the cracks in between the air conditioner and the window frame. Not to mention, window ACs are loud and unsightly, especially when you have the unit turned on high during an uncomfortably hot day.

When Is the Best Time to Get a Heat Pump?

The best time to get a heat pump is when you need a new air conditioner. For example, if you’re looking at purchasing a window unit to add cooling to a room in your house, this would be the perfect time to look at upgrading to a heat pump instead.

If you’re thinking about replacing your central AC because it just doesn’t keep your home as cool as it used to, consider switching to a ductless mini split system. You can also just add a heat pump to your home at any time to increase your home’s heating and cooling efficiency, lower your energy consumption, provide better comfort, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Get Help from the Experienced New York HVAC Team at Jones Services

At Jones Services, we’re on top of both the changing climate and the changing needs of our customers. Reliable air conditioning isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. Record-breaking heat waves during the past few summers have caused injury, illness, and even death. Staying cool means staying safe. Plan ahead for your air conditioning needs by contacting our team of NATE Certified Service Professionals. Call now for a consultation or home visit at (845) 299-2359.