What Is A Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner?
A reverse cycle split system air conditioner is simply a split system air conditioner that can be used to heat as well as cool.
A reverse cycle air conditioner is one of the most efficient ways to heat your home in the winter. This is because, unlike other electric heaters, a reverse cycle air conditioner absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it to the room rather than creating the heat. Reverse cycle air conditioners also dehumidify making them ideal for the humid climate of Queensland.
How Does A Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner Work?
Reverse Cycle Split System Air Conditioner (Heating)
In a reverse cycle air conditioner, a fan in the outside unit draws in air. The air is then directed over the evaporator coil where a liquid refrigerant is held and heat is transferred from the air to the refrigerant. Once the refrigerant is heated it is circulated through to a compressor. As the refrigerant is compressed its temperature increases. The refrigerant is then circulated through the condenser in the indoor unit where it is converted from liquid to gas form.
The hot gas refrigerant is then circulated through a heat exchanger. Air from the room is drawn in by a fan and run past the heat exchanger where the heat transfers from the refrigerant to the air as it circulates back through the room. As the heat is extracted from the refrigerant it cools and reverts back to liquid form. It is then sent back to the compressor in the outdoor unit to repeat the process.
Even though a reverse cycle air conditioner extracts heat from the outside air to heat your home, it can still be used when outside temperatures are lower than 10 degrees celsius.
As the name suggests, a reverse cycle air conditioner simply reverses the process by absorbing heat from the inside air and circulating it outside in order to cool.
What Are The Benefits of A Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner?
Comfortable Temperatures Year Round
A reverse cycle air conditioner is a one-time investment for both cooling and heating that can provide comfortable temperatures in your home all year. From heating in the winter to cooling in the summer a reverse cycle air conditioner is one of the most effective ways to control the temperature of your home year round.
Most reverse cycle air conditioners also allow you to set when you would like the heating or cooling to start. This means that your can set your air conditioner to heat your room just before you wake up to avoid the daily winter struggle of leaving a warm bed.
Low Heating Costs
A reverse cycle split system air conditioner is one of the most cost effective ways to heats your home or office. This is because a reverse cycle system absorbs heat from the outside air and transfers it inside rather than creating heat.
This means that, in a reverse cycle system, for every 3kW of energy used, 5kW of heat is created as opposed to an electric heater that uses 5kW of energy to create 5kw of heat. That makes reverse cycle air conditioners 3 times more efficient at heating then comparable electric heaters.
A reverse cycle air conditioner also comes with a built in thermostat that helps to conserve energy as the unit will automatically switch off once the desired temperature has been reached.
Low-Cost Cooling
As well as heating, reverse cycle air conditioners are also one of the most cost effective ways to cool your home in summer. This is because split system air conditioners are significantly cheaper to purchase and install than comparable ducted cooling systems. Plus, unlike central cooling systems, split system air conditioning can be installed and used room by room rather than having to cool an entire house when you’re only using a small area.
Safer Heating Option
Reverse cycle air conditioning is also a safer heating option compared to many alternatives. This is because with other heaters there is a single source of heat such as an electric plate or gas fire that is heated to high temperatures in order to create enough heat to warm an entire room. This poses the risk of burns or even fire if anything comes into direct contact with the heater.
Conversely, reverse cycle heating transfers heat from the air rather than creating heat, which means that there is no single heated component in the system. A split system reverse cycle air conditioner is also generally wall mounted reducing the risk of injury posed by most heating appliances.
Heats Entire Room
Another benefit of a reverse cycle air conditioner is that the warm air is circulated through the room for an even room temperature rather than having warm and cold spots. Conversely, most gas and electric heaters emanate heat from a single source meaning that only the immediate area around the heater is warmed.
Advanced Climate Solutions are your local air conditioning experts. For expert advice quality installations, affordable servicing and more call Advanced Climate Solutions on 0403 254 272 today.
