Can a Heat Pump Keep Your Home Cool During a DFW Heat Wave?

Triple-digit temperatures are a fact of life in Arlington and Fort Worth during the summer. When homeowners begin researching cooling system replacement options, one question that still gets asked is ‘do heat pumps really work as well as air conditioners during a North Texas heat wave?’

The answer is yes.

There are a couple of things about heat pumps that confuse people.

First is the name. Homeowners see the word ‘heat’ and assume heat pumps are primarily for heating. In reality, a heat pump cools a home using the same basic process as a traditional air conditioner. A properly sized and maintained heat pump should be able to keep a home comfortable during summer just as effectively as a comparable central air conditioning system.

The second is the association with wall-mounted mini-split units. Not all heat pumps are mini-split systems. They can be used in traditional central HVAC systems that distribute conditioned air through the home's existing ductwork.

Heat Pumps Cool Homes the Same Way Air Conditioners Do

A heat pump and a traditional central air conditioner both use refrigeration to remove heat from inside the home and release it outdoors.

During summer operation, a heat pump functions just like an air conditioner. The indoor coil absorbs heat from the home's air, and the outdoor unit releases that heat outside. Conditioned air is then circulated back through the home.

If an air conditioner and heat pump are similarly sized and designed, homeowners are unlikely to notice a difference in cooling performance simply because one is a heat pump.

Heat Pumps Are Not Just for Mild Climates

Modern heat pumps are used in climates that are significantly colder than DFW. Although heating performance can suffer when temperatures regularly get near or below zero, that’s usually not a major issue in Arlington or Fort Worth.

For homeowners who do want additional heating flexibility, dual-fuel systems combine a heat pump with a gas furnace and can automatically switch between the two heating sources when conditions warrant.

A Heat Pump Is Not the Same Thing as a Mini-Split

Some homeowners hear the term "heat pump" and immediately picture a bulky ductless mini-split mounted high on a wall.

While many mini-splits are heat pumps, not all heat pumps are mini-splits.

Traditional central heat pumps use ductwork just like conventional central air conditioning systems. They distribute conditioned air throughout the home using supply vents and return air pathways. In most cases, a homeowner looking at a central heat pump replacement will not see any visual difference between the new system and the HVAC equipment it replaces.

Heat pumps are available in a wide range of configurations designed for everything from room additions and garage conversions to large, multi-story homes.

Comfort During a Heat Wave Depends on More Than the Equipment

When a home struggles during extreme summer temperatures, the HVAC equipment itself is not always the primary problem. Comfort can also be affected by:

• Poor attic insulation
• Air leaks around windows and doors
• Ductwork issues that restrict airflow
• Excessive solar heat gain
• High indoor humidity
• Deferred HVAC maintenance

In some situations, homeowners assume they need a different type of HVAC system when the real issue is airflow, insulation or overall system design.

Many modern heat pumps are available with variable-speed technology that can help improve humidity control and maintain more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the day.

Get the Right HVAC System for Your Arlington or Fort Worth Home

A properly designed heat pump can cool a DFW home just as effectively as a traditional air conditioner during a summer heat wave because they use the same cooling process. The more important considerations are whether the system is appropriately sized, properly installed and supported by adequate airflow, insulation and humidity control.

If you're considering replacing your current HVAC system, a heat pump may be worth evaluating alongside other cooling options. Call Tom’s Mechanical at 817-277-4493 to schedule maintenance or a free replacement quote.