When the weather warms up, most people think of air conditioning purely for keeping cool. But many modern split air conditioning systems can heat as well. They work as an air-to-air heat pump, moving warmth from the outside air into the room. That makes them a useful option for rooms that are hard to keep comfortable all year, like garden rooms, loft conversions, conservatories and home offices. If you’re thinking about it, our air conditioning page explains what we install. We cover homes right across North Somerset, including Yatton and Long Ashton.
How heat mode works
An air conditioning system moves heat rather than making it. In cooling mode, it takes heat out of the room and releases it outside. In heat mode, the process runs in reverse: the outdoor unit draws warmth from the outside air, even when it feels cold, and the indoor unit releases it into the room.
Because it’s moving heat rather than generating it directly, a heat pump can deliver more heat than the electricity it uses. How efficient it is depends on the system, the outside temperature and how it’s installed.
Where it works well
Air conditioning with heat mode suits rooms that:
- Aren’t on the central heating, like garden rooms and garage conversions
- Get too hot in summer and too cold in winter, like conservatories and rooms with large windows
- Are used at different times from the rest of the house, like a home office
- Need quick heat, as it can warm a room fairly quickly
One system then covers both jobs, instead of a fan in summer and an electric heater in winter.
How it fits with your central heating
For most homes, air conditioning works alongside a boiler rather than replacing it. Air-to-air systems heat the air in a room. They don’t heat radiators or your hot water, so you’ll still need your boiler or another system for that.
It’s also worth knowing that air-to-air systems aren’t covered by the government’s Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which is aimed at systems such as air-to-water heat pumps that replace a boiler.
Things to think about before you buy
- Where the indoor unit goes: it needs space high on a wall with good airflow around it
- Where the outdoor unit goes: it needs a solid base, airflow and access for servicing, and you’ll want to think about your neighbours
- Room size: the system needs to be sized properly for the room
- Servicing: regular maintenance keeps it running efficiently
Air conditioning in North Somerset homes
Plenty of homes around Nailsea, Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare have added a garden office, a loft room or a large glazed extension in recent years. These spaces are often the hardest to keep comfortable, too warm on a summer afternoon and chilly on a winter morning. An air conditioning system with heat mode can make them usable all year. We install air conditioning across the area, including Nailsea, Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare.
Frequently asked questions
Can air conditioning heat a room in winter?
Many modern split air conditioning systems have a heat mode and can heat a room in winter. They work as an air-to-air heat pump, taking warmth from the outside air. Check that the system you’re looking at has a heat function, as not all do.
Is air conditioning cheaper than an electric heater?
Because a heat pump moves heat rather than generating it directly, it can produce more heat than the electricity it uses, while a standard electric heater turns electricity into the same amount of heat. Running costs depend on the system, your tariff and how you use it.
Can air conditioning replace my boiler?
For most homes, no. Air-to-air systems heat the air in individual rooms but don’t heat radiators or hot water. They work best alongside your existing heating, for rooms that are hard to heat or cool.
Thinking about air conditioning?
If you’d like a room that stays comfortable all year, give us a call on 01275 846 437 or drop us a message and we’ll talk you through the options for your home.