Central Heat Pump Systems : Advantages and Disadvantages

In Quebec, one of the best, most cost-effective and energy-efficient methods of escaping the increasingly hot summers and the everlasting winters comes in the form of central heat pumps. A central heat pump heats and cools an entire home or business through the use of a ventilation system. It is called central because the heating and cooling originates from one central location and is distributed throughout the property.

A central air conditioner is either a :

• Split-system unit or
• Packaged unit

In a split-system central air conditioner, an outdoor metal cabinet contains the condenser and compressor, and an indoor cabinet contains the evaporator. 

In a packaged central air conditioner, the evaporator, condenser, and compressor are all located in one cabinet, which usually is placed on a roof or on a concrete slab next to the house’s foundation. Air supply and return ducts come from indoors through the home’s exterior wall or roof to connect with the packaged air conditioner, which is usually located outdoors. 

Both split-systems and packaged units can come with heating as functionality which is referred to as reverse-cycle.

Ducted air conditioning systems are designed to cool or heat an entire home or office. The systems consist of an outdoor unit and a central indoor unit as well as air ducts in each room. Ducted air-conditioning systems have individual controls for each room, known as zoning which allows you to have different temperatures to suit in individual areas. Ducted air conditioning units are ideal for larger homes with many rooms that require cooling and/or heating.

Advantages of ducted air conditioning systems:

• Ability to cool or heat entire property
• Zoning control which allows full control of temperatures in different areas
• Discreet look in comparison to other air-conditioning options

Disadvantages of ducted air conditioning systems:

• More expensive and complex to install in most homes
• Some homes can’t accommodate a ducted air conditioning unit as they are so large
• Complicated and expensive installation
• Installation is not possible at all properties
• Not cost efficient if cooling or heating is only required in one area

AirGreen Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning & Heating offers telephone consultations and 100% Free on-site estimates! Contact us directly to see our prices and receive your personalized quote in less than 24 hours!