Yes. Most modern split air conditioners are heat pumps, which means they can run in reverse. In summer they move heat out of the room. In winter they take heat from the outside air and move it in, even when it's cold outside. So one wall unit can keep a room cool in July and warm in November.
How a heat pump heats a room
It sounds odd, but there's usable heat in outside air even on a cold day. The outdoor unit pulls that heat in, the refrigerant carries it through the pipes, and the indoor unit blows warm air into the room. In cooling mode, the same system simply runs the other way.
Because it moves heat rather than making it from scratch, a heat pump can give out more heat than the electricity it uses. That's the big difference from a plug-in fan heater or an oil-filled radiator, which turn electricity into heat one for one.
How much heat does one unit give?
It depends on the model. The Haier Revive 3.2 kW, a unit we fit for single rooms, gives up to 3.9 kW of heat (and 3.2 kW of cooling). That's plenty for a typical bedroom, study or home office. Bigger rooms need a bigger unit, and we size it at the visit.
Where it makes the most sense
- A room your central heating struggles with, such as a loft conversion, an extension or a room over the garage.
- A home office you want warm in the day without heating the whole house.
- Bedrooms that get too hot in summer. You get cooling for the hot nights and heating for the rest of the year.
- Spring and autumn, when you want a bit of warmth in one room without firing up the boiler.
Will it replace my central heating?
For most homes, no, and it isn't meant to. A wall unit heats the room it's in. Think of it as a very efficient way to heat and cool one or two rooms, alongside your radiators.
Does it work when it's freezing outside?
Yes, though output drops as it gets colder. Modern units are designed to keep heating well below freezing. On very cold days the outdoor unit will briefly run a defrost cycle to clear ice, which is normal.
Does it need its own electrical supply?
It needs a suitable fused supply. On our standard installation we power it from a local fused circuit, and that's included in the price. We test the electrical work and certify it to BS 7671.
What does it cost?
Air conditioning with us starts from £1,495 including VAT for one room, with the electrical supply included. Read how much air conditioning costs in Derby, or try the air conditioning price calculator.
Find out what would suit your room
See air conditioning with JJS Electrical, or ask for a free visit and we'll recommend the right unit and put the price in writing.
