Air conditioning vs heat pump: what's the difference?
They're closer than you think — in fact an air conditioner IS a heat pump. Here's what actually separates the options.
People often ask us whether they should get "air conditioning or a heat pump", as if they're rivals. In reality they use the same core technology — moving heat from one place to another. The real question is how the heat is delivered.
Air-to-air (what most people call air conditioning)
An air-to-air system has an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units that blow conditioned air directly into your rooms. It cools in summer and heats in winter. It's quick to install, needs no radiators or water pipes, and lets you control each room independently.
Air-to-water (an air-source heat pump)
An air-to-water heat pump uses the same outdoor technology but feeds your existing radiators (or underfloor heating) and hot water cylinder. It replaces your gas boiler for whole-home heating — and it's the type that qualifies for the £7,500 Boiler Upgrade Scheme grant.
| Air-to-air (AC) | Air-to-water (heat pump) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cools rooms | Yes | No |
| Heats rooms | Yes (per room) | Yes (whole home) |
| Hot water | No | Yes |
| Government grant | No | £7,500 |
| Install cost | Lower | Higher |
Which should you choose?
If you want summer cooling and efficient top-up heating for specific rooms — a bedroom, a hot conservatory, a home office — go air-to-air. If you want to replace your gas boiler entirely and heat the whole house sustainably, air-to-water is the route, grant included. Some homes benefit from both.
Because we came from the heating trade, we're happy to talk you through both honestly and tell you which genuinely fits your home and budget.
Frequently asked questions
Is an air conditioner really a heat pump?
Yes. A reverse-cycle air conditioner moves heat out of your home to cool it, and moves heat into your home to warm it — exactly what a heat pump does. The technology is the same.
Can one system do everything?
An air-to-air system heats and cools rooms but doesn't do hot water. An air-to-water heat pump does heating and hot water but not active cooling. We'll help you pick the right mix.
Thinking about air conditioning?
ClimaTight gives free, no-obligation quotes across Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and Middleton.