Reverse Cycle

Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

These are electric heating systems (also known as ‘heat pumps’) which also provide refrigerative cooling.

How does reverse cycle air conditioning work?

Most electric heaters create heat directly, using elements which heat up when an electric current passes through them. These ‘direct element’ heaters include portable heaters, panel convectors and off-peak storage heaters. They have a maximum efficiency of 100%, when all the electricity is converted to heat and delivered to the room.

Reverse cycle air conditioning extracts heat from the outside air, even on mid-winter nights, and transfers it inside. A refrigerant is passed through an external coil, absorbing heat from the outside air. This refrigerant is then pumped through a compressor into a fan coil unit (or ‘condenser’) inside the home, releasing its heat into the room.

Up to three or more units of heat can be transferred for every unit of electricity used to run reverse cycle air conditioning. Therefore, running costs can be as low as one-third of those for direct element heaters. By reversing the flow of this refrigerant, reverse cycle air conditioners also provide efficient refrigerative cooling in summer.

 

What is its advantage?

› One of the most economical forms of heating

› Able to provide both heating and cooling

› Remain cool to touch at all times

› Have no exposed elements or flames

› Lifetime of up to 20 years

› Filter and dehumidify air

 

What types are there?

Portable units

Portable units can be moved from room to room or house to house. Most units consist of a separate indoor and outdoor unit connected by flexible refrigerant lines. They are connected to standard power points. External units are usually hung outside an open window. Portable units are particularly suitable where several smaller rooms need to be air conditioned at different times. They may also be suited for people who are renting their home, move home frequently, or in situations where permanent installation is not possible. Consider carefully before purchasing portable units, as they are relatively expensive to buy compared to window/wall units of similar capacity. They are suitable for rooms up to 35 m².

 

Window/wall units

Window/wall units have all their components together in one unit, which is permanently mounted through an external wall or window. They are the cheapest type of reverse cycle air conditioner to buy. Some models can be connected to standard power points. As the motor is contained in the same unit as the internal fan, window/wall units may be noisy during operation. In addition, installation requires either cutting a large hole in the wall, or removing a pane of glazing from a window. Curtains must be left open during operation if installed in a window. They are suitable for rooms up to 70 m².

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