Most air conditioning systems fitted today are air-to-air heat pumps. In summer they move heat out of your room. In winter the cycle runs in reverse, drawing heat from the outside air, even on cold days, and releasing it indoors. The same unit gives you cooling and heating at the touch of a button.
How efficient is it?
Very. Because the system moves heat rather than making it, a modern unit typically delivers three to four units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses. Manufacturers show this as the SCOP (seasonal coefficient of performance) rating. A plug-in electric heater, by comparison, turns one unit of electricity into one unit of heat, so an air conditioner can heat the same room for roughly a quarter to a third of the running cost.
Where it works best
- Rooms the central heating does not reach well, such as loft conversions, extensions and conservatories.
- Garden rooms and home offices, where extending the central heating would be expensive.
- Spring and autumn, when you want to take the chill off one room without firing up the whole heating system.
- Bedrooms, where one system keeps you cool on summer nights and warm in winter.
Does it work in cold weather?
Yes. Many modern units are designed to keep heating in temperatures well below freezing. Heat output does fall in very cold weather, so we size each system with winter in mind if you plan to use it for heating.
Are there grants?
The government's Boiler Upgrade Scheme does not cover air-to-air systems; it only applies to heat pumps that feed radiators or underfloor heating. Air conditioning is therefore paid for in full, but it costs far less to install than a whole-house heat pump.
Is it right for you?
If you want cooling in summer, getting efficient heating from the same system is a big bonus. If you only want heating for the whole house, a boiler or a full heat pump system may suit you better, and we will tell you honestly at your survey. For gas boilers and central heating, our sister company HPH Solutions can help.