Can you use Air Conditioning in the Winter?
Can AC be used in winter? Do air conditioners heat the house? What? At first it sounds crazy. But did you know that air cons are not only for busting out when temps soar above 30°C? Modern air-to-air heat pumps (basically what UK style air conditioning systems are) can work in reverse to maintain a perfect indoor climate all year round. Matter of fact, they’re designed to be capable of heating when its as low as -15°C outside ensuring reliable warmth even on the coldest of nights. For most homes, gas boilers are the norm but rising fuel prices due to geopolitical uncertainty has people looking for alternative ways to heat their homes and/or business premises.
Why consider an air con for winter?
- They may be the most economical heating system you can use. Per 1kW input of energy, a modern boiler delivers 0.9kW of heat whereas an air con delivers 3-4kW!
- Adjustable louvres and 20 metre air throw makes air cons more than capable for large spaces
- Warm a room in 10 minutes, much faster than a radiator[1]
- They double up as a cooling system come summer
- Our installers are less busy and can offer you a slot sooner, regardless if you want it for the winter or summer
Lower your winter gas bills by supplementing your central heating
Benefits of A/C heating
- Lower your winter gas bills by supplementing your central heating and warming with air cons on a per room basis
- Have better sleep and eliminate chilly mornings via the timer function
- A warm home prevents damp and mould issues
- Breathe cleaner air with advanced filters that deactivate bacteria, viruses, and remove dust from stuffy rooms during winter
- Improve worker productivity and/or give customers a warmer welcome
- Make it easier to focus and get work done while working from home
Final Considerations
- Double check the operating temperatures for your make and model (though likely a non-issue for most homes in London and the South East)
- Air cons run most efficiently on a low and slow setting; super important for when you’re outside or sleeping
- An air-to-air heat pump doesn’t replace your boiler; don’t rip it out, you’ll still need it for hot showers
- If your AC unit’s exterior coils freeze, some models will run a brief cooling cycle to defrost them; this is totally normal
- Using your air con more often will warrant more regular servicing and cleaning of filters
How much does an A/C for winter cost?
Ultimately this answer depends on many factors such as:
- Number of units you want and unit capacity per room dimensions
- Type of unit (sometimes you can only accommodate floor standing units)
- Pipework route and length
- If any electrical upgrades are required
Our prices for installing a mini split unit start from £1449. Our engineer’s survey of the site, parts, and labour are all covered within this. For a more in-depth and accurate quote, you can arrange a free site visit via email, phone, or WhatsApp and we’ll be with you within 36 hours.
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