Until recently, gas central heating systems were the main way we kept our homes at a comfortable temperature. But there are now smarter, greener options available.
One question we’re sometimes asked by people looking to upgrade is the difference between an air source heat pump and an air conditioner, and which one is better.
Some of the confusion no doubt comes from the similar names. And they do both involve transferring heat in and out of your house.
But the truth is, they’re actually quite different, and work best for different scenarios.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how each system works, the benefits and costs of air source heat pumps vs air conditioning, and which set-up suits your space best.
Go green with a heat pump
What is an air source heat pump?
An air source heat pump (ASHP) is a system that takes heat from the outside air then transfers that heat into your central heating system to warm your home and heat your hot water.
There are a few models that can cool your home a little as well. But as the name suggests, ASHPs are all about providing heat. In short, if you’re in the UK and looking for a way to keep your home at a cosy temperature all year round, ASHPs are the way to go over air conditioning!
The magic (or rather, the clever science) of air source heat pumps is that they capture heat rather than generate it from scratch, so they’re energy efficient. This can mean lower bills and a smaller carbon footprint compared to gas or electric heating.
Looking for a deep dive into heat pumps? Check out our complete guide.
What is air conditioning?
In contrast to air source heat pumps, air conditioning systems are primarily designed to cool; helping to keep your home comfortable during hot weather.
They do this by removing heat and moisture from air inside a room (the heat and moisture is absorbed by a refrigerant and then released outdoors). The cooled and dried air is then blown back into the room by a fan.
Some air-conditioning models can offer limited heating as well – usually via a ‘reverse cycle’ which turns the air-conditioner into a small heat pump by reversing the refrigeration system. But principally, air conditioning is for keeping your home cooler than the temperature outside, or to cool particular rooms that get hot and stuffy.
The differences between air source heat pumps vs air conditioning
Heating and cooling
Air Source Heat Pumps
While all heat pumps provide heating, air-to-water and ground source heat pumps can also be used for hot water. Certain models can cool your home a little bit too.
Air Conditioning
Most air conditioners will only cool your home, although some newer models have a heat pump function for occasional heating.
Energy efficiency and running costs
Air Source Heat Pumps
Don’t generate heat – they move it. This means they use less energy than gas or electric heating, which should result in lower energy bills compared to using an air conditioning unit for heating.
Air Conditioning
Pretty efficient when it comes to cooling, but when they switch to heating, they tend to use more energy and cost more to run than a dedicated heating system.
Environmental impact
Air Source Heat Pumps
Use electricity rather than gas to function. Combine an ASHP with renewable electricity and the result is a much lower carbon footprint than traditional heating methods.
Air Conditioning
Also runs off electricity so the same applies: it depends on how that electricity is generated. If you have solar panels, for example, the environmental impact will be minimal.
Installation and maintenance
Air Source Heat Pumps
Must be installed by a professional MSC installer, like all our partners here at Hive. But installers, like the companies we work with at Hive, can take care of the whole process – from first quote through to the final fitting.
Air Conditioning
Typically quicker and easier to install, smaller units can be wall-mounted. Units don’t need regular professional servicing. But filters should be checked once a month and changed every 3 to 12 months.
Suitability for various climates and homes
Air Source Heat Pumps
Work in all climates – even when temperatures get as low as -15 °C. Due to their size and the space needed outside, some homes, particularly flats and apartments, aren’t suitable.
Air Conditioning
Works well in homes where cooling is the main priority. Less effective for whole-home heating, especially in colder climates.
Air source heat pumps vs air conditioning: pros and cons
Here’s a closer look at the advantages and drawbacks of air source heat pumps and air conditioning systems – compared to each other, and to traditional gas and oil central heating systems:
Pros of heat pumps
Highly efficient: Heat pumps move heat rather than generate it. According to the Energy Saving Trust, this makes them four times more efficient than traditional heating systems.
Add value to your home: They can also increase your home’s value by as much as 3%.
Built to last: With the right care and yearly servicing, a heat pump should last for 20 years or more.
Cons of heat pumps
Higher upfront cost: A heat pump is usually a bigger investment than an air conditioning unit. However, a government grant of up to £7,500 can help with a lot of the cost, making them a much more affordable option.
Weather impact: Some heat pumps can become less efficient in very cold weather. However, ground-source and air-to-water source heat pumps are much less sensitive and can still work just as effectively in temperatures as low as -15 °C.
Professional installation: Fitting a heat pump system needs to be done by a qualified expert.
Pros of air conditioning
Cleaner, fresher air: Many systems filter out dust, pollen and pollutants, which can help with allergies and the air quality inside your home.
Better sleep: No more turning over the pillow to keep cool. A low, controlled temperature in your bedroom can make it easier to fall asleep on hot nights.
Instant relief: Switch on your air conditioning and within a minute or two both you and your room will be cooler.
Cons of air conditioning
Energy-hungry: Air conditioning can use a lot of electricity, which may increase your energy bills especially during long hot spells.
Regular maintenance: Filters and coils need cleaning to keep things running smoothly.
Noisy: Some cheaper units can be on the louder side, which might be noticeable in quieter rooms or when you’re trying to sleep.
“Heat pumps are the cleaner, greener future of heating.”
Heat pump vs air conditioning: running cost differences
The running costs for heat pumps and air conditioners depend on things like how efficient your system is, energy prices (as both use electricity) and how often you use it.
The good news? Both are clever at moving heat, not making it. So they use less energy and are cheaper to run than more traditional heating methods like boilers.
Upfront costs
Unit costs
The price varies for air source heat pumps, but the government grant of up to £7,500 can help most households with a lot of the upfront costs. Air conditioning units can vary as there are lots of different makes and models. But Checkatrade says prices usually start at around £1,000 for a ducted ceiling mounted unit.¹
Installation costs
All homes are built different, and the size of your property will affect how much it costs to install an air source heat pump. You may need additional work such as improving insulation, radiators or pipework to make your home more energy efficient. With air conditioning units, Checkatrade suggest installation prices range from £500-£720 per day for installation.¹
Heat pump vs air conditioning: which is more energy efficient?
If you’re weighing up the green credentials of heat pumps vs air conditioning, heat pumps are the more sustainable option.
According to British Gas, replacing your gas boiler with an air source heat pump can help reduce your household’s annual CO2 emissions by 1,404KG. That’s the equivalent of driving 4,544 miles in a petrol car.
Modern air conditioning units are far more efficient than older models. But they still use refrigerants that are damaging to the atmosphere and that increase their overall environmental footprint.
Which system is best for your home?
Choosing between a heat pump and an air conditioner really comes down to whether your main need is to heat things up or cool things down.
If you live somewhere with colder winters and milder summers (i.e. most of the UK!) then a heat pump is a smart, energy-efficient heating choice. It’s a green choice versus a gas or oil-powered boiler. While some air-to-air heat pumps can also help with cooling.
If staying cool is your main goal, with only the occasional need for light heating, or if you’ve got a room or two you need to keep fresh, an air conditioning system is the answer.
Upgrade to a heat pump
Next steps to getting a heat pump
If you’re thinking about getting a heat pump for your home, we can help make the whole process simple. At Hive, we sell and arrange installation for air source heat pumps giving you efficient, low-cost, low-carbon heating and hot water for your home.
See how a heat pump could work for your home and request a free, personalised installation quote today.
Get a quote
Learn more from Hive
A complete guide to air-to-air heat pumps
In this article, we’ll look at how air-to-air heat pumps work, their benefits, installation costs and the grants that could make them even more affordable.
Heat pump systems explained
How exactly do heat pumps work? What do you need to think about before buying one?
Heat pumps vs gas boilers: What’s the difference?
Learn about the differences, benefits and considerations of each option with our guide.
1. Source: Checkatrade