Deciding between a geothermal heat pump and an air conditioning system for your Martinsburg home can be a bit of a challenge. Careful consideration of their relative pros and cons is in order to ensure you make the decision that is best for your needs and your budget.

No Difference In Cooling

In terms of cooling, heat pumps and air conditioners are virtually the same. When cooling a home, both technologies work by absorbing heat through coolant and routing that coolant outside where the heat can be released. It’s not until temperatures plummet that the differences between the competing technologies become apparent.

Pros And Cons Of Air Conditioners

Air conditioners don’t do anything to help heat homes, obviously. A home using an air conditioner must pair it with a discrete heating option such as radiant heat, baseboard heating or a furnace. However, air conditioners tend to be cheaper to purchase and install than corresponding heat pumps. They also generally need less maintenance.

Pros And Cons Of Heat Pumps

The primary benefit of heat pumps is that they are unified systems that can operate year round. Their exterior components usually take no more space than an air conditioner, and their interior parts usually require much less space than other heating options. On the down side, heat pumps don’t work well in very cold temperatures, limiting their use to regions with milder winters.

Improving On Heat Pumps With Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy from deep within the Earth’s hot core is now being combined with the traditional heat pump concept to provide heating in conditions standard heat pumps wouldn’t be able to withstand. The benefit is clear, uniting the convenience of single-unit operation with the ability to keep working in severe cold. To explore your options, contact your local expert for reliable HVAC repair in Martinsburg, WV.