Heat pumps are becoming a more popular choice among Denver homeowners who want reliable, efficient heating and cooling. The “heat” in heat pumps can be misleading and you may wonder, can a heat pump cool a house?

Yes, they can!

If you’re unfamiliar with this HVAC solution, you may have questions. We can tell you how a heat pump works and how efficiently it will cool your home, even on the hottest days.

Learn more about how air-source heat pumps can act as AC in the warm Denver summer.

How Does a Heat Pump Cool?

When operating in cooling mode, an air-source heat pump works exactly the same as an air conditioner: It absorbs heat from the indoor air through the indoor unit’s evaporator coil. The warm refrigerant is then compressed, raising its temperature, and the heat is released outside through the outdoor unit’s condenser coil.

The cooled air is then distributed throughout your home, ensuring a pleasant indoor climate even on the hottest days.

How Well Does Cooling with a Heat Pump Work?

Modern heat pumps are designed to provide efficient cooling even when Denver’s summer temperatures get into the 90s. A heat pump is an air conditioner that can go in reverse to also heat your home efficiently in cold weather. Since it functions as an AC, it does everything an air conditioner does. A brand-new heat pump will offer even greater efficiency gains when replacing an older air conditioner. Save money on monthly cooling bills while keeping your Denver home just as cool as always.

Exploring Heat Pump Cooling Efficiency in Hot Weather

Heat pumps are known for their excellent heating efficiency, and they match standard air conditioners for cooling efficiency. A high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratios (SEER) heat pump can effectively cool your home while using minimal energy. The SEER rating indicates how efficiently a heat pump or air conditioner can cool your space. In general, higher SEER ratings translate to increased energy savings and improved performance.

When considering an air-source heat pump for cooling purposes, select a unit with a high SEER rating for optimal efficiency. As of the beginning of 2023, federal regulations require heat pumps sold nationwide to have a minimum of 15 SEER, but you can push higher for increased efficiency.

Some pumps are equipped with advanced features, such as variable-speed compressors and multi-stage systems, allowing them to adapt to varying cooling demands. With their high-efficiency performance, heat pumps can maintain comfortable indoor temperatures while consuming less energy compared to traditional air conditioners.

Do Heat Pumps Cool as Well as Air Conditioners?

Yes, an air-source heat pump will cool a house just as effectively as an air conditioner. A heat pump with a SEER rating of 16 cools just as well as a standard air conditioner with 16 SEER.

Can a Heat Pump Switch from Heating to Cooling Automatically?

Yes, many systems can switch seamlessly between heating and cooling modes. Modern heat pump systems connected to smart thermostats can detect temperature changes and adjust the mode accordingly. This automatic switching ensures that you maintain a comfortable environment without the hassle of manual adjustments.

Heat Pumps: Efficient and Effective Air Conditioning

Using a heat pump as an air conditioner offers homeowners in Denver, Broomfield, Parker, and the surrounding area a reliable and energy-efficient cooling solution. Heat pumps also offer the additional benefit of being able to replace or supplement your furnace in the winter, vastly reducing your home’s carbon footprint.

Want to learn more about your heat pump options? The professionals at One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Denver can help! Book online or contact us at (303) 622-3401 today!