We all know the climate can vary greatly across Australia and winters in Perth tend to be milder compared to the ones experienced on the other side of the continent, yet it’s still a smart idea to prepare for the cooler temperatures.
You don’t need to install a state-of-the-art heating system to stay warm and toasty at home. If you already have an air conditioning (AC) unit in your house, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that you can use AC in winter to heat your home. You just need to learn how to maximise your AC to its full potential.
Air conditioning is not just about cooling
Most people think that air conditioning is good for keeping a room cool, and not much else. What they often fail to realise is that an AC unit is made to regulate temperatures.
Whether it’s a generic home-use model or a more trusted system like Fujitsu air conditioning, it works by maintaining a certain temperature for a room, regardless of the conditions outside.
For example, if the weather outside is a chilly 7 degrees Celsius, you can set your air conditioner to 24 degrees and enjoy a warmer environment. To put it simply, your AC can also serve as a heater, hence reverse cycle.
Once you understand that air conditioning is a lot more versatile than you think, you should be able to find the most effective ways you can heat your home by using an AC in winter.
Choose an AC model with an integrated heating system
Modern air conditioning systems often come with integrated heating as well as cooling systems. This makes them capable of producing heat during colder weather.
An air conditioner accomplishes this by reversing the flow of freons using electrically operated valves. When this happens, the AC’s inside evaporator gets hot instead of cold. At the same time, the outside condenser turns cold when you switch on the thermostat’s heat setting.
This feature makes the air conditioning unit twice as useful, because it can be operated all year round, instead of simply gathering dust between seasons.
Running the AC in the winter months would also help in keeping its oil circulating, so you won’t have to experience a dry start when summer finally comes around. Keeping the system working properly will ensure that you will lessen the chances of it breaking down when you need it most.
When shopping for a hot-and-cold air conditioner, there are many great options currently available in the market. Be sure to check the offerings from trusted brands like Fujitsu Air so you can be certain that you’re getting a top-quality product.
Use your AC to get rid of humidity in winter
During the cold or wet months, your home could get quite humid. However, if you know how to use your AC in winter, this would not be an issue. You can dehumidify the air inside the house by running the air conditioner. This would prevent moisture from seeping into the corners of windows and doors, preventing long-term damage.
Your AC would be able to remove any humidity by essentially using its evaporator coil to suck up the moisture in the air. It then releases this moisture outside your house while maintaining a regular temperature that’s comfortable for you. The best part is that there’s no particular setting you need to employ for this action. It’s a task that any air conditioner is capable of doing as part of its normal functions.
Heating large spaces in winter
What about places like larger residential or office buildings? What do you need to know about how to use split AC in winter?
Firstly, a split air conditioner is typically a large unit that can regulate the temperature in a much bigger space than your typical suburban home. Split systems get their name from the fact that the hot side is “split” from the cold side. The hot side or condensing unit is usually found outside the building while the cold side, which is made up of the cold coil and expansion valve, is placed into an air handler such as a furnace.
This system has many advantages over traditional types. For one thing, it’s much quieter than most wall-mounted units. You also have the option of using a multi-split system where several indoor units can be connected to one outdoor unit. This makes it easy to regulate the temperatures of multiple rooms at the same time. It is also a more effective and cost-efficient way to cool or heat an area. However, note that the initial cost of this system can be higher than a window unit because it needs to be installed by professionals. This cost, though, will eventually be offset by the savings on your energy bills in the future.
Wrapping up
Air conditioners can be versatile, multi-functional devices if you make the effort to choose the right unit for your needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with the experts before investing in a model or system for your home.
Furthermore, it’s important to remember that you also have the choice to go with a more “traditional” heating system, such as Braemar ducted gas heating. You would be able to heat up your entire home in a matter of minutes and have better control over the temperature.
Whichever option you ultimately go with, make sure you get everything ready well ahead of time. Preparing for the winter months takes effort and care, so start making your plans as early as possible.
For any of our premium air conditioning systems for your home, view our latest specials, and contact your local Ambience Air store today.
