Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning in a nutshell.
Living in Australia affords us one of the best climates in the world… long hot summers and comparatively mild winters, although we have all experienced the super-chilly days and nights on occasion, particularly if you live in the southern states.
Unlike dedicated Heating or Cooling units, reverse cycle air conditioning units are used to cool your home in summer, AND warm your home in winter, all with one energy-efficient unit. It’s that simple? It’s also one of the most efficient ways to heat your home using electricity.
How it works
When in heating mode, the unit works in the opposite way to cooling, in that it draws heat in from the air outside before distributing it around the room. A refrigerant is passed through an external coil, absorbing heat from the outside air which is then pumped through a compressor into a fan coil unit inside the home, releasing heat into the room. It doesn’t have to be warm outside for the unit to do this, as it can perform this function even in freezing conditions.
Why should you choose Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning?
They’re warm in winter
Reverse cycle air conditioners differ from conventional gas or portable electric heaters because they “absorb” heat from the outdoor air to warm the air inside, rather than “creating” heat energy, making them extremely efficient.
They’re cool in summer
The reverse cycle air conditioning unit absorbs heat from the inside air and dissipates it outside, leaving your home cooler, as simple as flicking a switch. Modern technology means your air conditioning unit can cool your home in temperatures as high as 46 ºC! Forget fans! You won’t need them.
They really are efficient
Reverse cycle air conditioners are efficient in terms of energy use, cost over time, are efficient in heating and cooling, providing homeowners one of the most efficient means of heating and cooling their homes. As electricity prices continue to rise, air conditioner efficiency is becoming increasingly important. In extreme conditions, for example, one kW of electricity consumed, will generate three or more kW of heating or cooling.
They’re adaptable and flexible
Many of the reverse cycle air conditioning units on the market today come with thermostats and advanced inverter technology, which means they’re able to adapt to the temperature and condition of the room. Inverter technology helps to deliver one of the most energy efficient ways to heat and cool your home using electricity. Unlike a conventional air conditioner’s on/off operation, inverter technology works like the accelerator of a car, gently adjusting power to reach the desired temperature faster, then steadily maintaining it without fluctuations, for uninterrupted comfort and more efficient operation.
You only pay once
A particular advantage of installing a reverse cycle system is that you only pay once for a unit that performs two functions. All you need to do is change the unit’s mode to switch between cooling for those summer months and heating to quickly warm your home in the chilly winter months.
Some Aussies actually live in an environment where they could use the heater one day and the cooler the next. So having a reverse cycle system could help make your home’s heating and cooling expenses much more efficient.
They help purify the air
Dust and smoke be gone! Daikin Reverse cycle air conditioning systems don’t just heat or cool your home, some split systems can actually purify the air inside it. Many systems feature a built-in air-purifying filter that traps fine airborne particles, helping you purify the air inside your home.
Some even decompose odours, and absorb and deactivate bacteria and viruses. Considering Australia has one of the highest rates of asthma in the world, as well as high levels of hayfever and other allergies, this is an unexpected advantage of a reverse cycle system and can make it an important factor when considering your growing family’s needs, not just in terms of heating or cooling, but in terms of health.
The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries series of Air Conditioners on offer have allergen clear filters as well as the photocatalytic washable deodorizing filter.
The Daikin series of Air Conditioners on offer also have Enzyme blue deodorising air purification filters that traps microscopic particles, decomposes odours and even deactivates bacteria.
Less noise equals greater comfort
While we can focus on the heating and cooling of our homes, our overall comfort should also be considered. Operating noise levels can also have an impact on comfort levels. Manufacturers of reverse cycle air conditioning systems are investing in, and developing technology to reduce operating noise across their units, maximising a family’s comfort at every level.
Better for the environment
Here’s another fantastic advantage to choosing a reverse cycle air conditioner. These systems tend to produce only one third the greenhouse gas emissions of standard electric heaters. Less greenhouse gas emissions means a happier planet.
Why Air Fusion?
With their extensive experience, being local as well as employing local, it was a logical choice to choose Air Fusion for our local Community Energy Group’s Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Bulk Buy.
Both Directors, Peter Krohn & Aaron Moloney founded Air Fusion in 2014 after both having spent the previous decade in the corporate world as Managers with Multi-National companies.
Living locally in Research & Wattle Glen, both Aaron and Peter enjoy spending their free time supporting various sporting clubs, being a major sponsor of the Eltham Wildcats, and thoroughly enjoy the local down to earth life their communities offer.
Air Fusion came together as Aaron and Peter could see the shift away from natural gas and evaporative cooling systems focussing on utilising energy efficient products.
Each quote is attended to personally, and they pride themselves on being on time and available.
Their showroom showcased leading brands that offer exceptional customer service and back up. We have a choice of 30+ brands, but honestly find Daikin & Mitsubishi market leaders in front and back end components.
Air Fusion has a real family feel. The showroom is manned 6 days per week, with the coordination of their fabulous locally residing installation team running smooth as clock-work.
A little bit more about Aaron Moloney
Aaron has spent 30 yrs within the HVAC industries working through an apprenticeship locally in Nunawading and had spent several years working in the UK as an air-conditioning technician with major brands such as Daikin and Mitsubishi.
A little bit more about Peter Krohn
Peter has an accounting background, working with some large National companies within the plumbing sector and has a keen eye for making homes energy efficient and walking clients through the steps to getting off the gas network with alternative solutions.
Further Research and Information
Compare ducted gas heating with RC/AC: https://renew.org.au/renew-magazine/efficient-homes/comfortably-ahead-a-tale-of-two-heaters/
Compare hydronic heating with RC/AC: https://renew.org.au/renew-magazine/efficient-homes/air-conditioner-vs-hydronic-heating/