Heat Pump or regular AC? (how much, house, inspector)

[essdeebee]

We have to get a new system, and are hearing conflicting opinions about heat pump vs straight ac. It would be nice to have some advice from people who do not have an agenda! We have not been here long enough to have a sense of how much we would need the heat to be comfortable, to make the heatpump worthwhile. Of course, the AC is is the biggest concern, but it seems the heat pump is just as good/efficient at cooling, plus you get better and more efficient heat when needed (granted, not much) Others say skip the heat pump and put the extra money toward a better/more efficient AC, and that heat pumps have more problems and repairs (don't know if that is true) The problem is this area seems to be a real middle zone, where it is not clearly better for a heat pump like northern FL, or clearly no need for a heat pump like south FL ... plus, we've only been here for one winter and not even in our own current house ... so we are having trouble making a decision. I should mention that while we are budget conscious in a general sense, spending or saving a few hundred dollars is not enough to make the decision for us. We want to watch the $, but mostly its about getting a good value, longevity, and maximum comfort for what we do spend.
Thanks!

[Nypafl4u]

Considering the climate and cost, I would likely go with the most efficient A/C you can afford. The outside compressor should last about 10 years (or more) and the cost to replace is about $3,000 (give or take). The inside handler should last many more years, with just cleaning needed from time to time. There is a reason many more A/C's are used than heat pumps on Florida. Electricity in Brevard is also relatively cheap as compared to other areas (such up north in NY, NJ or CT). It all adds up to an efficient A/C in my opinion.

[Florida Heat]

You need a heat pump with heat and cooling. Cheaper than electric ac or heat.
State licensed Mechanical inspector

[1insider]

Originally Posted by Nypafl4u

Considering the climate and cost, I would likely go with the most efficient A/C you can afford. The outside compressor should last about 10 years (or more) and the cost to replace is about $3,000 (give or take). The inside handler should last many more years, with just cleaning needed from time to time. There is a reason many more A/C's are used than heat pumps on Florida. Electricity in Brevard is also relatively cheap as compared to other areas (such up north in NY, NJ or CT). It all adds up to an efficient A/C in my opinion.

I wish. For us poor unfortunates on the beach with compressors on the ground anything over five years is gravy. The further you get from the ocean the more life you'll get.