Heat Pump vs AC: Which One Do You Need?

More than half of the energy used in American homes goes to heating and air conditioning, according to the US Energy Information Administration. While they are mostly seasonal, both are highly energy intensive – with space heating and air conditioning accounting for 52% of the utility bills. 

As a homeowner, you may have wondered which one is better for heating and cooling: heat pump or air conditioner. In this guide, we tackle the pros and cons of both, to help you make an informed decision on which one to choose for your home.

What is a Heat Pump?

A heat pump is a versatile HVAC system that is capable of both cooling and heating. It does this by transferring existing heat from the environment rather than generating it. 

During the summer, the heat pump extracts heat from inside your home and expels it outside, much like a conventional air conditioner. In winter, the process is reversed: it draws heat from outside (even in cold temperatures) and transfers it indoors.

There are different types of heat pumps, such as air-source, ground-source (geothermal), and compact units integrated in ductless mini-split systems.

Heat pumps have a Coefficient of Performance (COP) greater than 1, which means they provide more heat energy compared to the power they use. The latest heat pumps can range up to 4 COP.

Key Components:

• Compressor: This component circulates refrigerant between the indoor and outdoor units.
• Reversing valve: The part that switches the direction of refrigerant flow to enable heating and cooling.
• Indoor and outdoor coils: These facilitate the heat exchange.

Heating Capability:

Unlike air conditioners, heat pumps provide year-round climate control. However, their efficiency decreases in regions with extreme cold.

What is an Air Conditioner?

An air conditioner is a cooling-specific system. It removes heat from indoor air and releases it outside, lowering the temperature inside the home. 

By itself ACs often do not provide heating, so they are often paired with a separate heating system, such as a furnace or boiler, for year-round comfort. Some air conditioners may also come with a heating function, using electrical resistance heat. 

Air conditioners come in many types, including window, mini split, PTAC and VTAC, and central air conditioning systems for the entire home. 

Key Components:

• Compressor: Compresses refrigerant to enable heat transfer.
• Evaporator Coil: Absorbs indoor heat.
• Condenser Coil: Releases heat outdoors.

Cooling Capability:

AC systems excel in cooling efficiency and are often optimized for hot climates.

Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner: Key Differences

Feature	Heat Pump	Air Conditioner
Functionality	Cools and heats	Cools only (unless sold as a cool-and-heat AC)
Heating Capability	Yes (via heat transfer)	No (unless equipped with a separate heating system)
Efficiency	High efficiency in moderate climates	High cooling efficiency
Upfront Cost	More expensive	Cheaper
Year-Round Use	Yes	No (requires separate heater)

Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner: Energy Efficiency

Heat Pump Efficiency

Heat pumps have high energy efficiency, especially in moderate climates. Since they simply transfer heat rather than generate it, they can produce 3–4x more heat energy than the electricity they consume. In fact the Department of Energy estimates that heat pumps are up to 75% more efficient than conventional electrical heating systems like furnaces and baseboard heaters

Heat pump efficiency is measured by:

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Measures cooling efficiency. The higher the rating, the more efficient it is in cooling.
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): Measures heating efficiency. The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient it is when in heating mode.

Note that heat pump efficiency is best in mild winters and moderate summers. In colder climates, supplemental heating (like electric resistance or gas furnaces) may be necessary.

Air Conditioner Efficiency

ACs are optimized for cooling efficiency, and their performance is also rated using SEER. While they may have higher cooling efficiency in hot climates, single-function ACs lack the dual functionality of heat pumps.

In terms of efficiency, mini splits have the highest efficiency among ACs, while window or room air conditioners typically have the lowest efficiency.

Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner: Cost Comparison

Category	Heat Pump	Air Conditioner
Price	Higher (due to dual functionality)	Lower
Operating Cost	Lower in moderate climates	Moderate (requires separate heating)
Maintenance Cost	Higher (due to more frequent use)	Lower (if the system is used for cooling only seasonally)

Lifespan and Maintenance

Heat Pump: Typically lasts 10–20 years with proper maintenance. Regular upkeep is essential due to its year-round operation.

Click here for our Heat Pump Maintenance guide.

Air Conditioner: Lasts 10–20 years with seasonal usage. Maintenance focuses on cooling-specific components.

Check out our AC Maintenance guide.

When to Choose Heat Pump vs AC

Heat pumps are ideal if:

• You live in a region with mild winters and hot summers, although some modern heat pumps work great in cold climates
• You want a single system for heating and cooling.
• Energy efficiency and environmental benefits are priorities

On the other hand, an AC unit may be more preferable when:

• You live in a region with very hot summers and exceptionally cold winters.
• You already have a separate heating system.
• Lower upfront cost is a primary concern.

Our Recommended Heat Pumps for 2025

Entry level:

Hotpoint AHHS12D3XXA 12000 BTU Class PTAC Air Conditioner with Heat Pump

This PTAC comes with both a heat pump and electric back-up heat. It has a cooling capacity of 12,200 BTUs, reverse cycle heat pump with 10,800 BTUs and features 10.5 EER rating and 3.2 COP. The 20 amp power cord will deliver 3.5 kW of electric back-up heat.

It uses R32 refrigerant that is less toxic, more efficient and eco-friendly than older HFC-based refrigerants. It also has an Automatic Emergency Heat feature that automatically kicks in when the temperature drops and the heat pump shuts down.

High efficiency / Premium:

Daikin FTXM09WVJU9 / RXM09WVJU9 Wall Mounted Atmosphera Series Single Zone Mini Split

This high-end single-zone mini split combo delivers 9,000 BTUs of cooling and 11,000 BTUs of heating. It meets stringent DOE regulations and features 16.3 EER2, 27.4 SEER2, and 11.2 HSPF2 ratings.

The system can provide 100% heating capacity at 5°F and cooling capacity up to 115°F. Optional accessories, such as a drain pan heater, enable heating as low as -13°F. Cooling can extend to -4°F with a wind baffle and dipswitch adjustments.

Designed with quiet operation and a space-saving design, the system connects the indoor and outdoor units with copper piping, pre-charged to 49 ft., and supports extended piping up to 82 ft. with a height differential of 65 ft.

Our Top Air Conditioners for 2025

Entry level window AC:

Friedrich CCF10B10C 10000 BTU Chill Premier Smart Window Air Conditioner

Friedrich’s Chill Premier series is an efficient line of 115 Volt smart air conditioners that can be controlled via WiFi, smartphone, and Amazon Alexa or Google Home. The series also use R32 refrigerant.

This particular model has 10,000 BTUs of cooling capacity, 3 cooling speeds, plus 3 fan-only settings and auto fan, and 8-way air flow control. It includes the standard installation hardware and expandable side curtains and has a coverage of approximately 400 – 450 sq. ft.

High efficiency mini split without heat pump:

Daikin FTX36WVJU9 / RK36WMVJU9 36000 BTU Polara Single Zone System

The Polara Series is Daikin’s line for light commercial installations. This mini split model offers a 34,400 BTU cooling capacity.and has 15.9 SEER2 and 9.5 EER2, making it super efficient while running. It can also be controlled remotely using the Daikin Comfort Control App with an optional WiFi adaptor.

With simple in-field changes in settings, the standard cooling range of 50°F – 115°F can be extended down to -22°F through various settings and an optional wind baffle. Enhanced Cooling operation can be achieved for outdoor temps as low as 14°F with a simple dipswitch setting.

Standard features include Intelligent Eye Operation, Econo and Stand-by modes, Titanium apatite deodorizing filter and air filter (prefilter), auto-swing (horizontal and vertical), comfort airflow, auto fan speed, weekly timer, night set mode, dry function, fan only and on/off timer. When cooling, in the Comfort Airflow Mode, the flap positions itself horizontally to avoid blowing directly on customers.

Conclusion

The choice between a heat pump and an air conditioner depends on your climate, budget, and heating and cooling needs. Heat pumps are versatile and energy-efficient but carry a higher price tag. Air conditioners are excellent for cooling, but dedicated AC units lack heating capabilities.

For personalized recommendations, visit Total Home Supply to explore our wide selection of heat pumps and air conditioners. You can also give us a call to help you find the perfect solution for your home!