Heat Pump Vs Air Conditioner | Choose Heat Pumps to Cool Your Multifamily Building
As a multifamily building owner, one of the biggest challenges you may face is which heating and cooling system is best
for your budget and the comfort of your tenants.
With the wide range of cooling equipment available in the market, selecting the right one can be confusing. While both of these devices are effective at keeping your units cool, they operate in different ways and offer different benefits. Let’s explore the differences between a heat pump and an air conditioner, and help you choose the best option for your multifamily building.
How Does An Air Conditioner Work?
An air conditioner works by removing the heat and moisture from the air inside a building and expelling it outside. The process involves a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator. The compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, which then flows to the condenser. The condenser releases the heat and turns the refrigerant into a liquid. The liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, which reduces its pressure and temperature. As a result, the refrigerant evaporates and absorbs the heat from the indoor air.
The cool air is then circulated back into the building.
How Does A Heat Pump Work?
A heat pump works on the same principle as an air conditioner, but it can also provide heating during colder months. In cooling mode, the heat pump works similarly to an air conditioner, extracting the heat from indoor air and expelling it outside. In heating mode, the process is reversed, and the heat pump extracts heat from outdoor air and pumps it inside. The process also involves a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator.
The Major Differences Between A Heat Pump & An Air Conditioner
Dual Over Single Functionality
A heat pump provides both heating and cooling with one system, whereas an air conditioner is built to only provide cooling. Choosing a heat pump has several advantages, including reducing the costs of installing a separate heating system
for colder months.
Energy Efficiency (SEER Rating)
The SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is a measure of the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems and heat pumps. For both air conditioners and heat pumps, the SEER rating is calculated by dividing the cooling output (measured in BTUs) by the amount of electricity used (measured in watt-hours). The result is the system's SEER rating, which indicates how efficiently it can cool space while using a set amount of energy.
Heat pumps are designed to provide both heating and cooling, they are often engineered to be more energy efficient than air conditioners, therefore, heat pumps tend to have higher SEER ratings than air conditioners. However, it's important to note that the actual SEER rating of a specific heat pump or air conditioner will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the unit, the quality of the installation, and how well it is maintained over time.
The SEER rating is an important factor in determining which cooling equipment suits your multifamily building in terms of energy efficiency and operating costs. A higher SEER rating means more energy efficiency and typically results in lower energy bills and greater energy savings over time, which can be particularly important for multifamily building owners looking to reduce operating costs and improve their bottom line.
Space Saving
A heat pump can be a space-saving option for multifamily buildings as it combines heating and cooling into one unit. In contrast, an air conditioner requires a separate heating system, which can take up more space.
Gigawatt's most compact form with no line sets means that there is no need to access the sides of the system and hence you don't have to leave huge wasted space when installing your Heat Pumps instead you can mount units with as little as 3/4 inch clearance on all sides.
Costs To Purchase And Install
Heat pumps generally cost more to purchase and install than air conditioners. However, they offer better energy efficiency and long-term savings on heating costs. These costs usually achieve break-even with huge savings on electricity bills within the first year. Also, there are many government rebates and incentives to help you with your installation costs (read below). So, all in all, heat pumps tend to be a cheaper option as compared to air conditioners in the long run.
Maintenance Costs And Frequency
The maintenance cost of air conditioners and heat pumps can vary depending on various factors such as usage, age, and model. However, in general, heat pumps may require a little more maintenance than air conditioners.
This is because heat pumps have more components such as a reversing valve, which can require more upkeep. Additionally, heat pumps are used for both heating and cooling, meaning they are used year-round and may experience more wear and tear. It's important to regularly maintain both air conditioners and heat pumps to ensure they are functioning efficiently and to prevent any potentially costly repairs.
Longevity
The longevity of heat pumps and air conditioners can vary depending on various factors such as usage, maintenance, and model. In general, air conditioners typically last between 10-15 years, while heat pumps can last between 15-20 years.
Noise
In general, air conditioners tend to be noisier than heat pumps because they have separate indoor and outdoor units, and the outdoor unit can generate more noise due to the compressor and fan. Heat pumps, on the other hand, operate using a single unit and may produce less noise as a result.
However, there are quieter air conditioner models available that use sound-dampening technology and have a low decibel rating. It's important to consider the noise level when choosing between a heat pump and an air conditioner and to consult with a professional HVAC technician to find a system that meets your needs and preferences.
Increasing The Cap Rate Of Multifamily Buildings
Investing in a heat pump can increase the cap rate of your multifamily building. The cap rate is a measure of the return on investment of a property, and a higher cap rate means a higher return on investment. By installing a heat pump, you can reduce the operating costs of your building and increase its value.
Rebates And Incentives On Installation
The U.S. and Canadian Governments are actively involved in promoting heat pumps by providing rebates and incentives and increasing carbon taxes and fines. Some programs specifically target the multifamily sector as a way to encourage the adoption of more energy-efficient cooling solutions.
For example, in the United States, the ConEdison Heat Pump Incentive for Multifamily Building program provides incentives for property owners to make energy-efficient upgrades, including the installation of heat pumps.
Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act also provides benefits for multifamily building owners. Some states offer incentives specifically for multifamily buildings, such as New York's Multifamily Performance Program, which provides incentives for energy-efficient upgrades based on the level of energy savings achieved.
In Canada, the Canada Greener Homes Grant is available to both homeowners and owners of small and medium-sized multi-unit residential buildings. Additionally, some provinces and territories offer incentives and rebates specifically for the multifamily sector, such as British Columbia's CleanBC Better Buildings Program, which provides rebates for heat pumps installed in multifamily buildings.
It's recommended to research and check with local government agencies and energy providers for the most up-to-date information on available incentives and rebates for heat pump installations in multifamily buildings.
Choosing The Right Cooling Equipment For Your Multifamily Building
Choosing the right cooling equipment for your multifamily building is very important as that will increase the CAP rate of your building in the long run. Consider all these important factors before deciding and we also encourage you to discuss your requirements with a licensed Expert before finalizing your decision.
