Can a Heat Pump Cool a House?

Despite their name, heat pumps aren’t all about heating. They can cool homes, too. A heat pump is essentially a reversible air conditioner: moving heat out of your home in the cooling season and moving heat into your home in the cooling season.

In fact, heat pumps took off first in warmer areas of the United States. If an air conditioner can keep your home cool, so can a heat pump, though the heat pump can pull double duty in the winter.

Heat Pumps Heat and Cool

Heat pumps work year-around as a two-in-one heating and cooling system for your home. They very efficiently move natural thermal energy — heat — from outdoors to inside, or from inside to out, to heat or cool your interior space.

In cooling mode, a heat pump is similar to an air conditioner. Indoors, air is blown across a coil carrying cold refrigerant. The refrigerant in the coil absorbs heat, which is then moved outside. In heating mode, that process is reversed, and heat is absorbed from the outside air and moved in, even in very cold temperatures.

Do Heat Pumps Work in Really Hot Climates?

Heat pumps work very dependably in hot climates and are efficient at cooling homes.

In warmer climates, generally, you want a heat pump with a higher seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2), as SEER2 indicates a system’s cooling efficiency. For example, in order to be Energy Star certified, a heat pump should have a SEER2 of 15.2 or higher.

Dehumidification is another benefit with a heat pump in hot conditions. Transferring heat out of a home naturally removes moisture. This makes an indoor space feel cooler even at a slightly higher thermostat temperature. 

In cold climates, or regions with longer winters, modern cold climate heat pumps work and maintain efficiency to temperatures well below freezing.

Is a Heat Pump Right for Your Cooling Needs?

Considering the right type of heat pump for your heating and cooling needs might be well worth it. Geothermal heat pumps are even more efficient than air-source heat pumps. Variable-speed heat pumps adjust the heating or cooling output for better performance and energy efficiency. Ductless or mini-split heat pumps work without ductwork and are ideal for zoned control of your heating and cooling. 

If going to a heat pump sounds like a good idea, but the upfront expense doesn’t, a heat pump lease could be the perfect solution. A lease gives you a new heat pump with maintenance and repairs included for a predictable monthly payment. 

To see how a heat pump can work at your home, use Palmetto’s HVAC advisor tool to explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are heat pumps different from air conditioners?

Air conditioners cool a home. Heat pumps can heat and cool a home. This dual functionality makes heat pumps more cost-efficient and can make issues like maintenance easier and less expensive. 

Can heat pumps keep up with a heat wave?

Heat pumps work in extreme heat, just like an air conditioner.