Are Split Systems Expensive To Run For Heating?

Australia is known for its extreme weather conditions, with biting cold winters and record-breaking summer temperatures. As a result, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year often requires heating and cooling systems. However, these systems can consume a significant amount of energy, accounting for anywhere between 20 to 50 per cent of a home’s overall energy usage, depending on where you live. In light of the rising cost of living, it’s important to make smart decisions to ensure that heating and cooling costs remain affordable.

What is a Split System Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner?

A split system reverses cycle air conditioner is a type of air conditioning system that can both cool and heat a specific area or room. It is a variation of the standard split system air conditioner and uses the same basic components, including an indoor unit and an outdoor unit.

The indoor unit is part of the air conditioner that is responsible for circulating cool air or warm air throughout the room. It typically includes an air handler or evaporator coil, which is filled with refrigerant and located within a metal casing that has a fan. The indoor unit is usually mounted on a wall or ceiling, and it is connected to the outdoor unit through a small conduit that contains refrigerant lines, electrical wires, and a drain line. The conduit is usually installed through a small hole in the wall or ceiling, and it is designed to be as unobtrusive as possible.

The outdoor unit contains the compressor, which is responsible for circulating refrigerant through the system and transferring the heat to or from the indoor unit based on the selected mode (heating or cooling). The outdoor unit also contains a fan. The outdoor unit is usually located outside the home, either on the ground or on a wall bracket, and it is designed to be as low-profile as possible.

The main difference between a split system reverse cycle air conditioner and a standard split system air conditioner is that the reverse cycle system is able to reverse the flow of refrigerant, allowing it to provide both heating and cooling functions. In cooling mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and releases it outdoors, creating a cool and comfortable indoor environment. In heating mode, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outdoor air and releases it indoors, creating a warm and cosy indoor environment.

The reverse cycle air conditioning system works by using a component called a reversing valve, which is located in the outdoor unit of the air conditioner. The reversing valve is responsible for reversing the flow of refrigerant through the system, allowing it to provide both heating and cooling functions. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the refrigerant flows from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, absorbing heat from the indoor air and releasing it outdoors. When the air conditioner is in heating mode, the refrigerant flows in the opposite direction, from the outdoor unit to the indoor unit, absorbing heat from the outdoor air and releasing it indoors.

Like standard split system air conditioners, split system reverse cycle air conditioners are energy-efficient and ductless, making them a popular choice for homes, apartments, and small commercial spaces. They are also available in a range of sizes and styles and can be tailored to meet the needs of almost any space. Some models may come with additional features, such as programmable thermostats, air purifiers, and dehumidifiers, which can help to create a more comfortable indoor environment.

Benefits of a Split System Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner

There are several benefits to using a split system reverse cycle air conditioning unit, including:

Energy efficiency

The split system reverses cycle air conditioning units are known for their energy efficiency. They use inverter technology to adjust the compressor speed, which helps to maintain a consistent temperature and reduces energy consumption. This can lead to lower energy bills and can be a more environmentally-friendly choice.

Year-round comfort

Split system reverse cycle air conditioning units provide both cooling and heating functions, which means they can be used to maintain a comfortable indoor environment throughout the year. This can be particularly useful in regions with fluctuating temperatures or extreme weather conditions.

Ductless design

Split system reverses cycle air conditioning units are ductless, which means they do not require ductwork to distribute air throughout the home. This can lead to improved air quality, as ducts can collect dust, allergens, and other pollutants over time. Additionally, ductless design can lead to more efficient heating and cooling, as there is less opportunity for air to escape through leaks in the ducts.

Zoning capabilities

Split system reverses cycle air conditioning units are designed to cool or heat specific areas or rooms, which means they can be used to create zones within a home or building. This can be useful for homes or buildings with multiple occupants, or for areas that require different temperatures or levels of heating and cooling.

Quiet operation

The split system reverses cycle air conditioning units are designed to operate quietly, with noise levels ranging from 19dB to 56 dB. This can be particularly useful for bedrooms or other areas where quiet operation is important.

Low installation costs

The split system reverses cycle air conditioning units can be less expensive to install than other types of air conditioning systems, particularly if ductwork is not required. This can be a cost-effective choice for homes or buildings that do not have existing ductwork.

Disadvantages of a Split System Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner

While there are many advantages to using a split system reverse cycle air conditioning unit, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider. These include:

Maintenance requirements

Split system reverse cycle air conditioning units require regular maintenance to ensure that they operate efficiently and effectively. This can include cleaning or replacing filters, checking refrigerant levels, and inspecting the unit for any signs of wear or damage. Neglecting maintenance can lead to decreased efficiency and potential breakdowns.

Limited cooling and heating capacity

Split system reverses cycle air conditioning units are designed to cool or heat specific areas or rooms, which means they may not be suitable for larger spaces or buildings. Multiple units may be required to cool or heat larger spaces, which can increase the cost of installation and maintenance.

Aesthetics

The indoor unit of a split system reverse cycle air conditioning unit can be bulky and may not blend in well with the surrounding decor. This can be a consideration for homeowners or businesses who are concerned with aesthetics.

Is Split System Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners costly to run for heating?

Split system reverse cycle air conditioners are generally more energy-efficient than other types of heating systems, such as electric heaters, gas heaters, or oil heaters. This means that, while there are still energy costs associated with running a split system reverse cycle air conditioner for heating, they can be less expensive than running other types of heating systems.

The cost of running a split system reverse cycle air conditioner for heating depends on a number of factors, including the size of the unit, the climate in which it is being used, the desired indoor temperature, and the frequency and duration of use. In general, the larger the unit and the colder the climate, the more energy it will require to heat a space. However, because split system reverses cycle air conditioners use inverter technology to adjust the compressor speed, they are able to maintain a consistent temperature more efficiently than other types of heating systems.

One way to minimize the cost of running a split system reverse cycle air conditioner for heating is to use it in conjunction with a programmable thermostat. This allows you to set different temperature settings for different times of day or days of the week, so you can reduce the temperature when you are not at home or during times when you don’t need as much heating.

The amount of energy that a split system reverse cycle air conditioner can save compared to conventional heaters can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of conventional heater being used, the size of the space being heated, the desired indoor temperature, and the climate in which the unit is being used. However, in general, split system reverse cycle air conditioners are considered to be much more energy-efficient than conventional heaters. This is because split system reverses cycle air conditioners use inverter technology to adjust the compressor speed and maintain a consistent temperature, while conventional heaters often use resistive heating elements that generate heat by consuming large amounts of electricity.

According to the Australian government’s energy rating website, running a split system reverse cycle air conditioner for heating can be up to three times more energy-efficient than using an electric heater, and up to six times more energy-efficient than using a conventional portable fan heater. In addition to their energy efficiency, split system reverse cycle air conditioners can also provide more consistent and even heating throughout a space, which can help to reduce energy waste and lower heating costs over time.

Overall, while the exact amount of energy that a split system reverse cycle air conditioner can save compared to conventional heaters can vary, they are generally considered to be much more energy-efficient and cost-effective for heating homes and other spaces.

If you are feeling burdened with the stress of deciding which air conditioning or heating unit would be the most efficient choice for you, let the experts at DGB Refrigeration Heating & Cooling take the load off of your shoulders. Simply dial 03 7038 6918 and get a no-obligation quote from the best technicians in the industry.