Air Condenser

• Air condensers are housed in an outside, air conditioning unit, typically powered with electricity. Working alongside the compressor, the condenser forces air or water across its coils to cool the compressed refrigerant passing through the piping. The cooled refrigerant is then sent to the inside of the home to provide cool air for the inhabitants.
  
  

Heat Pump

• Heat pumps use either the air or ground to transfer cool or heated air into a home. Unlike air condensers, heat pumps move cool air into the home, rather than producing cooler air. In addition, a heat pump can work in reverse by transferring heat into the home during colder months.
  
  

Considerations

• According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heat pumps are more energy-efficient over time than an air condenser unit. But, heat pumps are more expensive initially to install than a typical air conditioning system using a condenser.