Reverse cycle air conditioners are two appliances (indoor unit and outdoor unit) in one.
They offer both heating and cooling, all combined into one machine.
The placement of the air conditioning unit is vital for a more efficient operation depending on whether it's solely for heating or meant to perform both functions.
They simply work by reversing the flow of refrigerant. Hot gas absorbs cold, while cold gas absorbs heat. This means that you can switch between both heating your home during winter and cooling it down during summer.
One of the advantages of reverse cycle air conditioning in comparison to other conventional systems is energy efficiency. Unlike appliances like electric heaters that use a lot of energy to create heat energy, the air conditioning mechanism used by a reverse cycle air conditioner allows them to simply use the heat already generated by the appliance to cool or heat your home.This makes a reverse cycle air conditioner energy efficient (which would explain why some models require an external vent to release the heat).
The reverse cycle system uses the refrigeration cycle in the following steps:
The air conditioner takes in warm air through the condenser unit, which is then cooled with a refrigerant and let out through the front vents.
The air passes over the evaporator coil, turning into cold air and releasing humidity in the process.
The flow reverses and hot dry air enters your room. The condensed water or coolant is collected and pumped back to repeat this cycle again.
The concept of reverse cycle air conditioning is based on sucking in cold or hot air from outside to regulate the air inside to either cool or heat it.
The warm air from your home is drawn in by the outdoor condenser unit. It gets filtered and cooled by the external coil, releasing back inside cool air that's nice and fresh.
The electricity consumed in relation to other standard air conditioners makes a reverse cycle air conditioner more energy efficient when cooling down your house.In winter, the process reverses, termed as reverse refrigeration cycle aided by automatic defrost cycle to heat your home using the indoor evaporator unit. The unit has no operating noise because all you need to heat your room is already present in the appliance itself because it doesn't create heat energy but rather absorbs heat. As a result, you avoid wasting energy on heating empty rooms making reverse cycle air conditioning more energy efficient. In the summer months, the system simply switches back to cooling mode, meaning you'll benefit from lower energy bills. An ideal reverse cycle air conditioner model should also feature dehumidifiers that allow the room to be heated and cooled at the same time.
Reverse cycle air conditioners can be cheaper to run overall because they don't need to work as hard when cooling a room to the desired temperature. By absorbing heat already generated by the appliance itself, you'll save on power consumption and your energy bills will be lower.
However, reverse cycle air conditioning isn't ideal for heating a large area with minimal people in it.
In this case, it's best to use a conventional heater for quick warmth throughout the entire house. Take a look at the ideal temperature to set your air conditioner to in winter.Reverse cycle systems are more effective than conventional air conditioning unit because it only cools down the areas where there is activity. This means that they use less energy since they don't have to work as hard, resulting in lower running costs.
Picking the right air conditioner is based on the space you want to cool. Below are some of the most common types of reverse cycle air conditioners.
Macro split systems are popular because they offer the best of both worlds, making them very convenient. They also have multiple indoor units, which means you won't have to waste space on vents throughout your home or office.
This makes them ideal if you need a system that works well in limited spaces. However, if this isn't an issue, mini-split reverse cycle systems might suit your needs better.They are easier to install, more affordable and tend to be quieter than macro systems.
Window units are often seen in offices or homes which don't have the space for a split unit. However, they're not ideal if you want to provide heating as well as cooling because you'll need multiple units throughout your home, each with its own vents attached. This makes window units less practical for most households or small businesses.
Cassette systems are also very easy to install and have multiple indoor units, which means you don't need to deal with vents. Many cassette models have a slim design, so they can be fitted into most spaces without compromising on airflow. These types of reverse cycle air conditioners are a good choice if you want something that's practical and stylish at the same time.
Heading off the need to cool down lots of large, empty rooms while wasting lots of energy, many models systems feature dehumidifiers. You can cool down your room and dry it out at the same time. This is useful if you live in an area where there's heavy rainfall or high humidity levels. Combining ventilation and cooling will keep your home feeling fresh all year round.
Some models come equipped with a water tank that can be attached to the unit for cooling and dehumidification. This means you won't have to manually empty it out afterward because it will drain into the floor as your appliance runs through its cycle. All you need to do is top up once every few months.
Inverters are present on most reverse cycle air conditioning units, allowing them to change their chiller output depending on what temperature is set at. Having advanced inverter technology makes them particularly useful for climate control in Australia. Because outdoor temperatures fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Heating or cooling your home based on the weather outside will bring down total power consumption during peak hours.
Reverse cycle air conditioning requires far less energy consumption than conventional heating and cooling devices. For example, a 3-tonne unit will cost around $216 per year to run, which is drastically more efficient than a gas heater or conventional air conditioning system.
There are many benefits associated with reverse cycle air conditioners compared to other different air conditioners, so it's no surprise that they're becoming increasingly popular.
However, because of the extra options they offer, you might end up paying slightly more for installation (it's prudent to seek professional installation for the longevity of your reverse cycle system) than you would with a conventional unit.However, this shouldn't be an issue if your current system is on its last leg. Replacing your old heating or cooling system sooner will end up saving you money in the long run, especially during Australian summers.