Air conditioners offer the same operating efficiencies as heat pumps do when heat pumps are in cooling mode. What sets straight air conditioners apart is the need to pair them with a gas or oil furnace to provide heat. Grand Strand neighborhoods are starting to become more hospitable to these hybrid systems with the addition of natural gas. While most furnaces can run on propane, only 5% of heating systems in the US use propane fuel. This is mostly due to handling issues with propane as a fuel source.
Pairing an air conditioner with a gas furnace can increase the lifespan of your system and provide more efficient heat during cooler months.