The difference between an "air conditioner" and a "heat pump" is essentially a reversing valve and circuitry for defrost mode. The difference in cost between using "heat strips" and the "heat mode" of a heat pump is approximately 3x. In other words, a heat pump will generate the same amount of heat as heat strips for 1/3 the cost. The incremental cost to install an air conditioner vs. a heat pump is minimal since most of the equipment is the same. I have not experienced repair of maintenance issues with the heat pumps I have owned. Your HVAC contractor should be able to tell you the cost difference and with some minimal research you should be able to determine whether a heat pump is cost effective based on the lower operating cost during heating season (compared with using heating strips).
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Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa
When my son became licensed in commercial refrigeration and air conditioning over 15 years ago, his instructors taught him two basics:
1. Trane units require Trane parts for repair. Those parts cost more than the generic parts that most other brands use, and are not superior in performance. It simply assures revenue for Trane when repairs are required.
2. Heat pumps are more complex than standard air conditioners that use heat strips for heat in cold weather. Accordingly, heat pumps require maintenance and repair more often, generating revenue for service technicians. In Florida where winter weather is brief and not severe, heat pumps are not needed.
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