Central Heat Pump Systems : Advantages and Disadvantages

In Quebec, one of the best, most cost-effective, and energy-efficient ways to escape increasingly hot summers and endless winters is through central heat pump systems. A central heat pump heats and cools an entire house or office using a ventilation system. It is called central because the heating and cooling come from a central location and are distributed throughout the property.

A central heat pump 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 a single cabinet, which is usually placed on a roof or on a concrete slab next to the house’s foundation. Supply and return air ducts come from inside through the exterior wall or roof of the house to connect to the packaged air conditioner, which is typically located outside.

Both split systems and packaged units can come with heating as a feature, known as the reverse cycle.

Ducted air conditioning systems are designed to cool or heat an entire house 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, allowing you to have different temperatures tailored to individual zones. Ducted air conditioners are ideal for large homes with many rooms that require cooling and/or heating.

Advantages of ducted air conditioning systems:

• Ability to cool or heat the entire property
• Zoning control that allows full temperature control in different areas
• Discreet appearance compared to other air conditioning options

Disadvantages of ducted air conditioning systems:

• More expensive and complex to install in most homes
• Some homes cannot accommodate a ducted air conditioning unit because they are so large
• Complicated and costly installation
• Installation is not possible in all properties
• Not cost-effective if cooling or heating is only needed in one area

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