Can Air Conditioners Heat?

The majority of air conditioners are designed for cooling purposes however can be equipped and adapted to a functioning heating device too. You may have come across these before under the ‘air conditioner heat pump’ or ‘reverse cycle air conditioner’ category. Unlike our everyday aircon systems that remove heat from the air inside our property to expel it outside, the air conditioner with a heat pump has a reversible refrigeration cycle that extracts the heat from outside and transfers it inside the property to warm the space.

The heating capabilities are based on the thermodynamic principle that refrigerants can absorb and release heat as they undergo changes in pressure and temperature. During the cooling process, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, carrying it out to release it into the atmosphere; however, with the heating process, this is the opposite. It is important to remember that heat pumps can provide efficient air conditioning heating in colder climates as long as the outdoor temperature is above a specific threshold. This threshold is known as the balance point. A balance point is the temperature outside which the heat pump can extract enough heat to maintain a comfortable, warmer temperature inside your property. 

There are many advantages to opting for air conditioning heating over traditional heating systems, specifically in areas that experience milder winters. The air conditioning heat pumps are more energy-efficient as they transport the heat from one location to another rather than generating it. Due to this, it is significantly better for energy savings compared to electric heaters and heating systems. As well as this, heat pumps provide both heating and cooling capabilities in one singular system; therefore, installing an air conditioning system will be both cost-efficient and space-saving for you if you are looking for solutions on a budget or have a smaller home to heat and cool.

Opting for an air conditioner, specifically a heat pump or reverse-cycle, can provide heating functionality alongside their cooling abilities. They are versatile units that have the ability to extract outdoor heat and transfer it to our properties during the colder periods. As technology continues to expand and advance, heat pumps are becoming a more efficient and effective way to heat homes and offices in colder climates, making them an increasingly popular choice as an all-in-one appliance for heating and cooling.

At AirconCo, we have an expert team of professionally trained and qualified technicians to advise, install, maintain and repair your air conditioning needs. With years of experience helping our customers in and around the London area, we have become one of the go-to services providing reliable and effective cooling solutions for both domestic and commercial properties.