which a/c compressor is more efficient in the Austin Tx area heat pump or regular a/c ?
First some background: Both heat pumps in cooling mode and air conditioners use the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER), which tells how efficiently they use electricity. The higher the rating, the less power they consume. Heat pumps must now have a SEER of at least 13. A higher SEER is desirable in a warm climate because of the need to more frequently provide cool air to the home. Highly efficient heat pumps (with higher SEER ratings) typically cost more than less efficient models. You may want to consider how many months it will take to pay off this increased cost through savings in your energy bill. If you are planning to leave your current house within a few years, you might prefer to install a lower efficiency heat pump, as you are unlikely to recoup the extra cost. It would be necessary for you to determine your budget, how much you are able to spend on a unit, and then do some calculations on how much more you would spend during the summer for cooling if you choose a lower
