What is the difference between a Heat Pump and Straight Cool with Electric Heat?
A heat pump is a reverse cycle air conditioner. It contains a valve that lets it switch between “air conditioning” and “heating” modes. When the valve is switched one way, the heat pump acts like an air conditioner, and when it is switched the other way it reverses the flow of Freon and acts like a heater. Since Heat Pump coils will collect ice when in the Heating Mode, they will go through a defrost cycle. During this cycle, electric heat strips will energize to maintain the heat in your home. Straight cool with Electric heat uses heat strips only to heat your home. Therefore, heat pump is usually more efficient up to temperatures of around 35 degrees.
