Can you also use air conditioning in winter?
You might assume that air conditioning is just for cooling, and you certainly wouldn’t be the only one to think so. However, a fixed air conditioner can do much more than just blow cold air: you can also use your system for heating during the colder months. What’s more, it’s surprisingly efficient! When heating specific rooms or during spring and autumn, a fixed air conditioner is ideal.
How does an air conditioner provide heating?
A fixed air conditioner is actually an air-to-air heat pump. It consists of an outdoor unit attached to the outside wall of your home and one or more units located indoors. These units work together to heat or cool your home.
During the colder months, the outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside air (even when it’s freezing) and uses a refrigerant to send it to the indoor unit. That unit then blows the warm air into your room.
Because it runs entirely on electricity, it’s certainly worth considering if you already have solar panels, as you can use the electricity you generate to heat your home.
When is it a good idea to use an air conditioner for heating?
For a fixed air conditioner to work properly, your home must meet a few conditions:
- Your walls and roof should be well insulated. This traps the heat inside more effectively and your air conditioner does not have to work as hard.
- Do you still have single glazing? If so, you should replace it with high-efficiency glass or triple glazing.
- You don’t need underfloor heating. However, it’s still important to properly insulate your floor so that heat does not dissipate through it.
- Make sure your central heating is still working properly. An air conditioner works well as an additional source of heating. In older homes, it’s usually a supplement to your existing heating system, not a replacement.
- Do you have solar panels? If so, you can use the electricity you generate for heating, lowering your energy bills.
The benefits and drawbacks at a glance
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Your room warms up quickly and you feel the difference within minutes. | In older or poorly insulated homes, an air conditioner is usually not strong enough to be used as the main heating system and works better as a supplementary source of heating. |
| You choose which room to heat, reducing your energy consumption. | The outdoor unit hangs on your outside wall and may be visible. |
| If you have solar panels, you can use the electricity you generate for heating. | The outdoor unit makes noise, though this is usually not significant. |
| An air-to-air heat pump provides up to four times more heat than it consumes in electricity. | The system doesn’t use water, so you can’t combine it with underfloor heating or radiators. |
| In summer, you can use the same system for cooling, so you kill two birds with one stone. | Installing requires an investment. The price largely depends on how many units you need and the difficulty of installation. |
| Some models filter the air, which is especially useful if you have allergies or sensitive airways. | To keep working properly, the system needs regular maintenance, i.e. cleaning the filters. |
What do you need to know before installing?
Installing a fixed air conditioner is more than just hanging up your unit, there’s lots to consider:
1. Choosing the right location
You can’t install your indoor and outdoor units just anywhere.
- Indoor unit: somewhere the air can circulate freely, avoiding corners and heat sources.
- Outdoor unit: on a solid surface or wall with sufficient space for ventilation. You should also consider the sound – don't install the unit right next to your bedroom window or on a wooden roof structure.
2. Heating one or more rooms
If you only want to heat your living room, a monosplit system is ideal. This uses one indoor and one outdoor unit. If you want to heat multiple rooms, you’ll need multiple appliances (multisplit). This requires more pipes and is therefore more complex to install.
3. Do you need a permit?
A permit is usually not needed, especially if the outdoor unit is on the ground or not visible from the street. If your area has rules on the appearance of buildings or you want to place the appliance on the front facade of your home, a permit may be required. Make sure to check with your municipality.
4. Don't forget maintenance
A well-maintained air conditioner lasts longer and uses less energy, so have a professional visit at least once a year to check everything. You can also change and clean your filters yourself. The lifespan of an air-to-air heat pump is between 15 and 30 years, depending on how you use it.
Thinking of installing a fixed air conditioner?
It’s not only a step towards an energy-efficient home, but greater comfort as well. You can quickly provide heating where it’s needed without relying on fossil fuels. It’s a great choice, especially in a well-insulated home and in combination with solar panels.