Air conditioning is no longer a seasonal solution. Thanks to its heating function, modern split and multi-split units can become an alternative to traditional heating systems, especially during transitional periods or in well-insulated homes. If you want to choose the right one air conditioner for heating, you should understand how this device works, what parameters are crucial for comfort of use and what to pay attention to when purchasing.
How does air conditioning with heating function work?
The air conditioner uses technology heat pumps Air-to-air. This means the device extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to the room—even when temperatures outside are below freezing. Importantly, modern air conditioners smoothly adjust their operation to the set conditions. As a result, the air conditioning operates energy-efficiently, which translates into lower operating costs. The refrigerant used is crucial for energy efficiency and high heating efficiency. Currently, air conditioning systems use the R32 refrigerant, which ensures high efficiency. Its additional advantage is its low environmental impact (significantly lower than, for example, R410).
What else influences space heating efficiency? Modern air conditioners now utilize advanced automation systems and temperature sensors. This interplay of these components translates into optimal operation in heating and cooling modes, ensuring comfortable thermal conditions with minimal energy consumption. As a result, the air conditioner not only cools in the summer but can also support heating in autumn, winter, and early spring.
Is air conditioning cheaper than electric heating? Modern air conditioners provide relatively inexpensive heat, while electric heaters and fan heaters are much more efficient. Every air conditioner operates like a heat pump – it can generate 3–4 kWh of heat from 1 kWh of electricity. Electric heaters provide a maximum efficiency ratio of 1:1.
What are the most important parameters when choosing an air conditioner for heating?
There are several key factors to consider when purchasing an air conditioner. These include energy efficiency, performance, operating range, and desired comfort and air purity. When choosing a specific unit, it's also essential to consider its power, which must be appropriate for the room's size.
Cooling capacity and SCOP and COP coefficients
Each air conditioner has a different heating and cooling efficiency. If you're buying an air conditioner for heating purposes, pay attention to the COP or SCOP parameter. The COP determines the ratio of thermal energy to electrical energy input. The higher the COP, the more efficient the heating. SCOP, in turn, is the seasonal coefficient of performance. For quick reference, it's worth knowing that air conditioners with an energy rating of A++ or A+++ achieve a SCOP of 4–5.
Working temperature range
If you're planning to use air conditioning for heating, you need to check in advance the temperature ranges your chosen model will operate in. Nowadays, virtually every air conditioner has a heating function. However, not all units are suitable for winter operation. Standard indoor units can operate down to an outdoor temperature of -10°C. If you want to heat your apartment, house, or office, choose a unit that ensures efficient operation at temperatures down to at least -25°C. Remember that there are also units on the market that can operate down to -35°C.
Power selection
Air conditioner models are typically available in several power ratings. This is because a small room requires a lower power unit, while a larger room requires a correspondingly higher kW rating. It's estimated that 1 kW of air conditioning power is required for every 10 m². However, some rooms require more power than their square footage suggests. Sun exposure, glazing, orientation, the number of heat-emitting devices (computers, servers, etc.), and the number of people in the room can all play a role.
Filters and air quality
If you expect high air quality or live in an area with high air pollution, it's worth considering units that provide high-class air treatment. Air conditioners can be equipped with air filters, ionization, or air sterilization. As a result, the best-equipped units can function as air purifiersGenerally, air conditioning can remove microorganisms (viruses, bacteria), allergens (dust, pollen, mold spores), unpleasant odors, PM 10 and PM 2,5 smog particles, and even moisture from the air.
When does heating with air conditioning pay off?
Air conditioning is an excellent alternative to space heating. It's perfect for spring and autumn, when it's used to warm up rooms without running the entire heating system. It can be a convenient alternative to central heating if the house is equipped with photovoltaic panels, as the energy from the panels significantly reduces operating costs. Air conditioning can also be used as a heat source in situations where an apartment or summer house doesn't have a central heating system or is heated with expensive electric heating systems (e.g., fan heaters or oil radiators).
It's worth noting that an undeniable advantage of air conditioning is its quick and efficient operation. A room can be heated in just a few minutes, which is particularly convenient in offices or summer homes, for example.
