During the colder months, heating is a must for comfort across much of Australia—and with the rising cost of energy, along with an increased focus on sustainability, finding a heater that’s effective, efficient and economical is now essential.
Today, split system reverse cycle units are a popular choice for cooling—but we’re often asked, how do they stack up as a heating option?
When you have the right sized unit, in the right sized space, they can be an incredibly efficient and effective way to heat a room or small home. In this article we take a look at the key factors to help you uncover if a split system is a good choice to heat your space.
How effective are split systems as heaters?
In the right situation, and with the correct sized unit, split systems are a fast and effective way to heat an indoor space. Keep in mind, however, that individual split systems are not designed to effectively heat an entire large home—to do this, you would need multiple split system units installed or alternatively, a ducted system instead.
The factors that impact how well your split system will work include the size of the unit, the shape and dimensions of the space it is heating, the type of system you install (inverter or conventional) and the temperature it is set to. Having your system serviced regularly will also help to ensure it is running optimally, while the type of windows and level of insulation you have in your home will also impact how well it retains the heat.
How efficient are split systems when used for heating?
When used for heating, split systems can deliver a whopping 300–600% efficiency! This means they can take a single unit of electrical energy and turn it into 3 to 6 times as much heating and cooling. In addition, opting for an inverter split system can achieve up to 30% more efficiency compared to conventional systems due to the variable speed of the compressor.
As mentioned above, it’s important to note that the efficiency of any heating system you install will be impacted by how well your home retains the heat—and your windows are one of the main sources of heat loss. If your windows are double glazed and your frames are designed and made for efficiency, you can minimise the amount of heat lost by up to 40%. Insulation is another key contributor to retaining heat, and when it’s made from quality products and installed throughout the home, your level of efficiency will grow substantially.
Are split systems an economical choice for heating?
In general, split systems cost significantly less to buy and install than gas ducted heating systems, and they can also be cheaper to run depending on the type of system you choose, how it is operated and the ability of your home to retain heat.
One of the biggest factors in the running cost is the temperature you set your unit to—for example, setting your unit between 17–19 degrees can save you massive amounts on your energy bills. With every degree higher increasing your running costs by 5–10%, it definitely pays to be aware of this so you avoid bill shock and do your bit for the planet.
So is a split system the right choice for your heating?
In the right circumstances, split systems are an effective, efficient and economical choice for heating your room, apartment, unit or small home. Not to mention they are faster and easier to install and carry lower purchase and installation costs compared to ducted systems, which makes them more accessible too.
So, if you need heating for your new or renovated home, or a replacement for your existing space, get in touch with our team for expert advice on whether a split system is the right heating choice for you. Contact us via phone on 1300 438 266 or pop into the Melbourne showroom today!