Many homeowners who need Orange County AC installation are faced with the dilemma of whether to get a central air conditioner or make the switch to a heat pump. If you have relied on a central air conditioner in your home, you might be hesitant to change to a system you’re not familiar with.
However, heat pumps are the ideal HVAC system for areas with mild climates like ours here in Orange County. That’s because not only do they provide cooling, they also provide heating, making them the ideal year-round system for your home comfort.
Let’s go over the pros and cons of heat pumps and central air conditioners so you can make an informed decision.
Central AC vs. Heat Pump
Central air conditioning systems are still the most installed AC systems across the US. However, this is because people in many areas of the country where the winter temperatures are often below freezing are hesitant to get a heat pump. That’s because heat pumps don’t perform as well in extremely cold temperatures.
That’s not something that we have to worry about with our mild winter weather. Heat pumps are a strong option. In fact, it could be argued that they are best suited to climates like ours. For homeowners who have a furnace that hasn’t been able to keep up with your heating needs, a heat pump can replace both systems so you won’t have to worry about your winter comfort.
Central AC and Heat Pumps: Pros and Cons
The main advantage of a central air conditioning system is that a standard model is usually less expensive than a heat pump. If your home has ductwork that is in good condition, and you already own a central AC, the installation process will be simple for us.
However, if you are looking to invest in a central air conditioner with a high SEER2 level, you could consider investing that money in a heat pump instead for a comparable expense.
Heat pumps come in both ducted and ductless models. If your home is equipped with ductwork, then a ducted option is a great solution. It is fairly easy to install a heat pump where your central AC was and to connect it to your home’s existing ductwork.
Ductless Mini Splits
If you want to get a ductless system, these can be more expensive compared to a central ducted heat pump. Not only will it be more expensive for the initial upfront cost of multiple air handlers, the installation cost can also be higher because each air handler needs to be installed throughout your home.
Ductless units also have higher maintenance needs as you will need to clean each filter every 1 to 2 months. These systems often use reusable filters that must be cleaned by hand rather than a paper filter that can simply be replaced.
If you remain unsure about which system is right for your home contact us today for an expert opinion.
Contact Saddleback Plumbing Heating & Air for fast, professional AC installation services. We have served Orange County since 1981.