Air conditioners and heat pumps look similar from the outside, but they function differently. Roughly half of all energy used in the home goes toward heating and cooling, so your choice of cooling system can have a big impact on your monthly utility bills. While central air conditioning remains the most common method of cooling homes, as many as one-third of U.S. homes relied on heat pumps as of 2014. In most climate zones, swapping a central air system for a heat pump can help you heat and cool your home more efficiently, saving you money and reducing your impact on the environment. System Components A central air conditioner consists of an outdoor condenser unit and an indoor evaporator coil. The indoor coil fits in or near the furnace in homes with central heating and uses the furnace blower to help distribute cool air throughout the home. A heat pump also utilizes an outdoor condenser and coil, which resembles a standard air conditioner condenser. The indoor unit on a heat pump contains a coil, fan and supplementary heating system designed to work on its own without borrowing components from a furnace.

This indoor unit generally resembles a standard gas furnace. How They Work Air conditioners use electricity to cool the air; they are designed only for cooling. To control the indoor temperature year-round, they must be used in conjunction with separate heating systems, such as furnaces. Heat pumps, meanwhile, extract existing heat from the air instead of generating hot or cold air, making them much more efficient than air conditioners. Heat pumps can serve for both cooling and heating, to an extent, often eliminating the need for a separate heating system. Air Distribution Central air conditioners and furnaces each rely on networks of metal, plastic or fabric ductwork to distribute air throughout a home. If you change your central air system to a heat pump, you can use the existing duct network to distribute air. Sizing Your System Size represents one of the primary considerations in choosing a heat pump. While you may be tempted to simply purchase a heat pump that's the same size as your existing central air conditioner, this could leave you with a system that's too large or too small for your home.

As many as 40 percent of contractors admit to intentionally oversizing cooling systems, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. An oversize system can lead to problems with humidity control and comfort, and can increase energy and maintenance costs. Instead of replacing your system with one rated at the same capacity, hire a contractor to size your heat pump using guidance created by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. indoor stand alone ac unitAdvantages In moderate climate zones, heat pumps represent a much more efficient means of cooling the home than a central air conditioner. solar ac window unitHeat pump systems can heat and cool a home for as little as one-fourth the cost of operating a traditional heating and cooling system, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. ge ac unit manual

Drawbacks While heat pumps are incredibly efficient in moderate climate zones, they operate less efficiently when the temperature falls below 40 degrees F, when they must rely on a backup electric heater to keep homes comfortable. If you live in an area where temperatures routinely fall below freezing, consider a dual-fuel heat pump rather than a standard unit. These systems work with traditional gas or oil furnaces to help heat homes more efficiently and economically when temperatures plummet. References U.S. Department of Energy: Air-Source Heat PumpsU.S. Department of Energy: Tips - Heat PumpsThe Family Handyman: Efficient Heating: Duel-Fuel Heat PumpU.S. Department of Energy: Right-Size Heating and Cooling EquipmentPopular Mechanics: Buying a Central Air Conditioning System Photo Credits Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images Suggest a CorrectionShop Air Conditioning Units at Abt Abt has the air conditioning you'll need to stay cool during those hot summer days. We currently have five types of air conditioners: window, wall, casement, portable, split system and central air.

We also have a variety of air conditioning accessories such as sleeves and power cords. When considering air conditioner types, the most important factor is the size of the room you want to keep cool. If you have a large space to cool, you'll want an AC unit with more BTUs to properly cool a room comfortably and efficiently. Top brands such as GE, Frigidaire and Friedrich provide quality air conditioners, which allow you to enjoy summer while they fight the heat. Still not sure which AC is right for you? Take a look at our Air Conditioner Buying Guide for more information to make the right choice. Central Air Conditioning Units Air Conditioner Parts & Accessories Mini Split System Air Conditioners Featured Air Conditioner Videos What air conditioner is right for your home? Depending on the area that requires cooling, you'll need to consider different types of air conditioners. To cool each room in your house simultaneously, a central air conditioning unit is best.

It will run in conjunction with your furnace and use your home venting to distribute the cool air. For apartment and condo dwellers with no central AC option, consider a window or wall air conditioner. They can provide both permanent or temporary cooling solutions. If you only need a few rooms cooled or want a temporary cooling solution, then portable air conditioners are the perfect option. When using portable AC units, make sure there is window access for proper ventilation. Speak with a specialist in Abt's home comfort department for assistance in finding the perfect air conditioning unit to meet your needs.Home > Central Cooling > Air Conditioning Maytag® air conditioners offer dependable cooling power. During the search for a new air conditioning system, homeowners need to know that they are receiving all of the benefits they desire in their new HVAC unit. ® air conditioner comes with a selection of benefits that increase the performance and longevity of the unit.