What’s the Difference Between a Heat Pump and an Air Conditioner?

When you need a replacement heating or cooling system, you might not be sure which type to purchase for your Alexander City, AL, home. An air conditioner offers relief from the long, hot summers, but you’ll need a heating system for the chilly winter nights. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between a heat pump and air conditioner.


Air Conditioner Functionality

Air conditioners offer cooling functions, and they also dehumidify your home. They use a chemical refrigerant to transfer heat from your home to the outdoors. Many homeowners pair an air conditioner for cooling with a furnace for heating. This is a wise solution in places with hot summers and cold winters. The two systems will use the same air handler and air ducts, but they don’t share any other equipment.


Heat Pump Functionality

Heat pumps perform both heating and cooling functions. In the summertime, they work the same way as a central air conditioning system. They also use a chemical refrigerant, usually the same type as an air conditioner. When you need heating, the heat pump cycles its refrigerant in the opposite way as an air conditioner. The reverse cycling allows it to absorb heat from the outdoors and bring it into your home. Heat pumps are an energy-efficient choice for moderate climates. According to the Department of Energy, a heat pump could lower your heating costs by 50 percent compared to electric furnaces.


Auxiliary Heating

When the outside temperature drops below freezing, heat pumps aren’t as efficient at warming your home. In order to ensure that your home will be warm enough, the heat pump automatically turns on its auxiliary heater. The auxiliary heating uses a lot of electricity, so it shouldn’t be used as a primary heating source.


To learn more about the differences between heat pumps and air conditioners, check out Advanced Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC’s heat pump services or air conditioning services, or contact us today for additional details.

Carrier HVAC 2-Stage Systems

Discover the Advantages of 2-Stage HVAC Systems with Advanced Heating and Air in Opelika, AL

By SEO Team • June 24, 2025
Discover the benefits of 2-stage HVAC systems with Advanced Heating & Air in Opelika, AL. Enjoy enhanced comfort, energy efficiency, and quiet performance tailored for Alabama’s climate.
winterizing your home

Winterizing Your Home: The Importance of Quality Insulation in Alexander City, AL

April 16, 2025
Are you dreading the arrival of winter and the potential havoc it could wreak on your plumbing system? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face the daunting task of protecting their pipes from freezing temperatures. Imagine a winter where you never have to worry about burst pipes, costly repairs, or the inconvenience of water supply disruptions. Quality insulation is the key to making this dream a reality. Get ready to revolutionize your approach to Alabama winter plumbing maintenance. Follow this guide on how to winterize your home plumbing to ensure that your plumbing system remains robust, reliable, and fully prepared for the winter months ahead. Benefits of Quality Plumbing Insulation Plumbing insulation is a type of insulation that is used to reduce heat loss and energy consumption in plumbing systems. It is typically made of a material resistant to water and moisture, such as fiberglass or foam. Plumbing insulation can be installed in several locations, including water heaters, pipes, valves, and fittings. There are many benefits to using quality plumbing insulation, including: Reduced Energy Consumption Plumbing insulation can help reduce energy costs by up to 10%. This is because it helps to keep hot water hot and cold water cold, meaning less energy is needed to heat or cool water. Increased Comfort Plumbing insulation can help increase comfort by reducing the amount of heat lost through pipes. This can make a home or building more comfortable, especially during winter. Protection From Damage Plumbing insulation can help to protect pipes from damage caused by freezing temperatures. This is because it helps to keep pipes warm, which prevents them from freezing and bursting. How to Winterize Your Home Plumbing Knowing how to winterize your home plumbing is essential to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs. Here are the steps you need to take: Turn off the water to your outdoor faucets. Locate the shut-off valve for each tap and turn it clockwise until completely closed. Drain the water from the outdoor faucets. Place a bucket under each faucet and open the taps to allow the water to drain out. Cover the outdoor faucets. Once the water has drained, cover each faucet with a cap or a piece of cloth to prevent water from seeping back in. Inspect your pipes for any leaks. Look for any signs of water, such as dampness or puddles, around your pipes. If you see any leaks, have them repaired as soon as possible. Insulate your pipes. If you have exposed pipes in your basement or crawl space, insulate them to help keep them warm. You can use several materials to protect your pipes, such as foam pipe insulation, fiberglass insulation, or heat tape. Run your faucets. Once the weather gets cold, run your faucets for a few minutes every few days to let the water run through the pipes and prevent them from freezing. Get Ready for Winter Now Knowing how to winterize your home plumbing is vital in reducing repair costs. Quality plumbing insulation has several benefits, from reducing energy costs to protecting your pipes from damage. Winterize your home plumbing by following the steps in this article. Do you need your home plumbing insulated? Contact us today, and we’ll send out our friendly and professional experts at Advanced Heating & Air Conditioning. We serve homeowners in Auburn, Opelika, and Alexander City, AL.
high efficient furnace options

High-Efficient Furnace Options for Mild Opelika, AL Winters

April 16, 2025
It is tough to face Alabama’s winters when the worry of a huge heating bill can be a major factor in not turning up the furnace. This is where a high-efficient furnace can be a game-changer for both your home and your wallet. Though, what does this mean for you moving forward, and how can a company like Advanced Heating & Air Conditioning help? This article will unlock the secrets of the benefits of such a system and explain some of the options available to you. As you read on, learn how you can get the best service, no matter whether you live in Auburn, Apolika, or Alexander City. High-Efficient Furnace Solutions for Alabama’s Winters Even with many legacy furnaces, you may end up searching for “heating near me” as they start to break down with age, costing you much more. By using a high-efficient furnace, even if your local energy prices are a little higher during peak times, you are likely to discover savings. Getting a Free Furnace Estimate You can always contact a professional heating service to come and inspect your home. They will analyze the size and materials of your home and be able to offer an assessment of the right furnace for you. They can then inform you of the costs and benefits of furnace installation and maintenance. Expert Installation to Ensure Warmth and Efficiency In the area around Opelika, Auburn, and Alexander City, you need to ensure you find technicians who will do the best job possible. When looking for someone to install a furnace, make sure they have NATE certification. This will ensure they meet nationwide standards. Groups such as Advanced Heating & Air Conditioning, LLC, display this status with pride. You can engage with them regarding heating and cooling maintenance. Checking Other Systems at the Same Time While any technician is installing your furnace, you could also ask for them to look at issues such as getting an AC-repair free estimate. If your air conditioner is leaking, or an AC pan is leaking, this can ensure you resolve all the issues quickly. This can prevent you from needing to search for “AC repair near me” on the web to find AC companies that may take longer to reach you. Customized Comfort for Auburn, Opelika, and Alexander City We understand that furnace repair and installation are very important in the Alabama area. While there are mild winters, they are still chilly, and you do not want to be left in the cold. We can set up your furnace to match both the local climate as well as your specific needs. So, when our technicians appear, make sure you communicate what we can do to give you the best experience possible. A Seamless Transition to Efficient Heating As cooler days start to set in, you need the reassurance a high-efficient furnace can offer. Advanced Heating & Air Conditioning can work with you to ensure you enjoy both the warmth and efficiency you deserve. Instead of searching for “heating and cooling near me”, take us up on our offer of a free furnace estimate and our other furnaces. We can conduct furnace repair and installation to fit your needs. So, get in contact today and learn how we can make Opelika winters more palatable.