Definations
 

Anyone know the difference between an air conditioner and a heat pump? I know they both cool.

Very simple description, an air conditioner only cools and is usually installed into a furnace. A heat pump cools and heats. it cools as a air conditioner does and then it reverses its operation to supply heat. They usually only supply about 90 degree heat and do not work very well under 35 degrees outside so they will have electric heaters built in if they can not heat the home.

"Heat Pump vs. Air Conditioner. In many ways, heat pumps are functionally the same as conventional air conditioners. The only real difference is that a heat pump can reverse itself so it can provide heating when needed. ... Air conditioners, heat pumps, and refrigerators all use a similar process to transfer heat energy."

And if it's too cold outside for the heat pump to work it also has a big heating element built in that goes on that is very inefficient.

When you think about it, the heat pump is an ingenious, simple technology. Your electric window room air conditioner sends cold air inside and hot air outside. The heat pump merely reverses these two outcomes, either generating heat or cool, depending on setting. It's perfect for Florida.