Do I Want a Heat Pump or an AC?
Not sure which cooling (and maybe heating) solution is right for you? Take this quick quiz to find out!
Are you unsure whether your home needs a heat pump or a traditional air conditioner? Our quick quiz makes it easy to determine which system best fits your home’s needs, budget, and comfort preferences.
Heat Pumps vs. Air Conditioners: Quick Overview
- Heat Pumps: Provide both heating and cooling, ideal for year-round comfort, and are a greener option, especially in provinces that produce clean electricity like British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario.
- Air Conditioners: Cool your home in summer and require a separate furnace or heating system for winter.
By taking our quiz, you’ll learn which option is better for your home size, local climate, and energy efficiency goals.
Take the Quiz!
Take the quiz now to discover whether a heat pump or AC is the best fit for your home — and make a smart investment in year-round comfort.
FAQs
Q: What’s the difference between a heat pump and an AC?
A: A heat pump can heat and cool your home, while an AC only cools. Heat pumps are more energy-efficient in mild climates.
Q: Can a heat pump replace my furnace?
A: In many cases, yes. Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, eliminating the need for a separate furnace.
Q: How do I know which system is right for me?
A: Taking our Heat Pump vs. AC quiz gives a personalized recommendation based on your home and comfort needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both systems cool your home, but a heat pump can also heat it.
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Air Conditioner: Cools your home in warm months.
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Heat Pump: Works as both a cooling and heating system by reversing its operation in colder months.
Consider factors like:
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Your local climate
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Energy efficiency goals
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Whether you need both heating and cooling
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Your existing HVAC setup
Our quiz can help point you in the right direction based on your needs.
Yes — modern cold-climate heat pumps are designed to perform efficiently even during Canadian winters. In extremely low temperatures, a backup heat source (like a furnace) may still be needed.
The initial cost of a heat pump is often higher, but it may provide energy savings over time since it does the job of both an AC and a furnace.
Ask us about our Smart Air Heat Pump! Also ask us if there are any heat pump rebates currently available in your area.
If you’re unsure after taking the quiz, a Reliance® Home Comfort Advisor can assess your home and help you choose the best system based on your comfort needs and budget.
