Each year when winter rolls around, there’s one conversation we hear a lot of. That’s the air conditioner heating vs electric heating debate over which one is more cost effective. We’re always surprised to hear many people think the air conditioner heating mode is more expensive to run than an electric heater. As air conditioning professionals, we are here to tell you this isn’t true. Let us explain why.
Understanding how air conditioner heating works
To explain this properly, first we’d like to give you an understanding of how air conditioner heating works.
When you switch your air conditioner over to heating mode, the heat pump in the air conditioner is going to extract existing heat from the air. This heat will then warm the liquid refrigerant before converting it to a gas. The power from the air conditioner’s compressor will cause it to get even warmer. The condenser will then release the heat from the gas into the air.
Your unit will continue to blow warm air into the room or space until it reaches the set temperature on your controller. Once the set temperature has been reached, the outdoor unit’s inverter compressor will stop. Once the temperature in the room falls again, heating will start back up.
Can all units be switched to heating mode?
If you’d like to have an air conditioner installed with the ability to use heating mode, you will need to have a reverse cycle air conditioner installed. These can be your split system air conditioners, or your ducted air conditioners.
To find out which is right for your home or workplace, contact our friendly air conditioning technicians.
Powering an electric heater vs air conditioner heating
It is going to take around 2kw of power to create 2kw of heat. You’re probably thinking, ‘well that doesn’t sound too bad’. However, you might be surprised to know it only takes 0.6kw of power to supply 2kw of heat using a reverse cycle air conditioner.
This means you can have a warm home using your air conditioner heating at a third of the cost!
To put this into perspective, it’s estimated the average four-person household in Sydney can see a $298.26 increase in their electricity bill during the winter months. If you switch to air conditioner heating, this bill would then only see a $100 increase in the winter months saving you almost $200!
Benefits of using your air conditioner on heating mode
An air conditioner is safer
There are many dangers associated with electric heaters. For example, kids or animals burning themselves on a bar heater, or curtains catching fire as a result of the heater being too close. An air conditioner eliminates these risks and hazards.
An air conditioner won’t overheat the room
Have you ever noticed that it’s always very hot near a heater, but as you move further away, it’s not as hot? An air conditioner will evenly distribute warm air around the room, meaning the whole space will be comfortable.
You have more control
Not only can you control the temperature with an air conditioner, you can also set a timer and use the sleep mode. Plus, if you have the Mitsubishi Wi-Fi control app, you can also set the temperature before you arrive home!
Alpine Air & Electrical are an authorised business partner with Mitsubishi Electric Australia. Contact us today to see how the Mitsubishi Electric Wi-Fi Control App can work for you.
2 in 1!
Having an air conditioner means you have 2 functions. Heating AND cooling. Perfect for the Sydney climate. An electric heater is just a heater.
Choosing an air conditioner for your home
As you can see, an air conditioner will do a better job heating your room or home whilst keeping your energy costs down. They are the way to go if you are looking to use less power but still keep warm!
If you’ve been prepping your home for these colder months but still don’t have an air conditioner to keep warm, our friendly air conditioning technicians are here to help you.
Interested in heating your home with an air conditioner?