Replacing an Air Conditioner With a Heat Pump. Many St. Louis homeowners are turning their attention towards replacing traditional air conditioning units with heat pumps. Heat pumps can help slash your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint while providing both heating and cooling from one unit. This article will delve into why a heat pump might be the perfect replacement for your old AC. If you’re thinking of replacing your air conditioning unit, call SmartHouse today at 314-370-1816, text us at 314-310-2242, or contact us online.
Top 4 Reasons to Replace Your AC With a Heat Pump
Here’s why making the switch from an AC to a heat pump could be beneficial for your St. Louis home:
- Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Coefficient of performance (COP) is a measure of efficiency that compares the amount of heating or cooling provided by a unit to the amount of electrical energy it consumes. A COP of 1 would mean a unit generates the same amount of energy it consumes, and the higher a unit’s COP, the more efficient it is. Most AC units have a COP of 2.3 to 3.5, while most heat pumps have a COP of 3.0 to 5.0, meaning the right heat pump is likely more efficient than your existing AC system.
That increased efficiency can lead to considerable savings over the lifetime of the unit, as much as $1,500 a year.
- Environmental Impact: By using less electricity, heat pumps have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional air conditioning systems. They contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing electricity more efficiently and by minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly if used for heating in the winter, as heat pumps move heat inside instead of producing it through combustion. This makes heat pumps an eco-friendly choice for homeowners concerned about their environmental impact.
- Enhanced Comfort & Versatility: Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling capabilities, ensuring your home remains comfortable throughout the year, regardless of the season. Variable capacity heat pumps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature compared to traditional HVAC systems, and provide superior dehumidification. This dual functionality not only simplifies your home’s HVAC system but also eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling units, which can save space and maintenance efforts.
Some systems, such as the Daikin Fit, also have more compact outdoor units — freeing up outdoor space for a grill, storage, or an impromptu soccer game — and are also significantly quieter.
- Financial Incentives: In an effort to incentivize homeowners to switch to more energy efficient HVAC systems, the federal government offers tax credits for heat pump installations through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The credits – 30% of the installation, up to $2,000 – help make up for the upfront cost of a heat pump. Utility rebates from Ameren and Spire and manufacturer incentives include:
Call SmartHouse to Replace Your AC With a Heat Pump
Deciding to replace your traditional air conditioner with a heat pump is a significant home improvement decision that offers both immediate and long-term benefits. At SmartHouse Heating & Cooling, we pride ourselves on offering honest advice, based on our expertise in building science and home comfort. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the selection, installation, and maintenance processes, ensuring that you make the best choice for your home. You can get started today by calling us at 314-370-1816, texting us at 314-310-2242, or contacting us online.
