Switching from solid fuel to electric heating offers many benefits, with comfort being one of the most significant. But, can an inverter air conditioner replace a pellet heating option?
Many people who previously heated their homes with solid fuel are considering switching to electric heating because of the convenience, or because they can’t afford solid fuel. One practical solution is inverter air conditioners, which solve two problems: providing warmth in winter and cooling in summer.
Why Inverter Air Conditioners Are Better Than Standard Units
Inverter air conditioners have certain advantages over standard air conditioners, justifying their higher cost, especially if you plan to use the air conditioner for heating.
Inverter ACs have motors that drive compressors at variable speeds, allowing the compressor to work at different capacities. Standard air conditioners, on the other hand, operate on an on-off principle, which is less efficient.
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With a classic air conditioner, the compressor runs at full capacity until it reaches the desired temperature, then completely shuts off. In contrast, inverter ACs can operate at lower capacities and maintain a stable room temperature.
When less power is needed, the inverter compressor works at lower capacities, gently heating or cooling the room. But if instant heating or cooling is required, the inverter compressor runs at full power.
How Inverter ACs Work at Low Temperatures
The main advantage of inverter ACs is their adaptability, leading to up to 30% less power consumption compared to standard air conditioners. This is especially significant for winter heating, as controlling the compressor reduces cooling of the outdoor unit.
Inverter ACs are effective even at extremely low temperatures, as the controlled operation helps prevent the outdoor unit from freezing, even at temperatures as low as 5° Fahrenheit (-15° Celsius). Standard air conditioners typically struggle when temperatures drop to around 23° Fahrenheit (-5° Celsius).
So, can you use an inverter AC to heat your home? Both yes and no. While it’s true that for every kilowatt of electricity used, air conditioners produce three kilowatts of thermal energy through the heat pump system, there are limitations.
However, it’s important to note that an inverter AC only heats the room where the indoor unit is located. Therefore, these units are suitable for heating single rooms or smaller spaces. Installing multiple units for larger spaces can be costly, making it an impractical option if you aim to reduce heating costs.
Also, heating by forced air circulation (blowing warm air) is never as comfortable as radiant heating. Thus, replacing pellet heating with inverter air conditioners may not provide the same pleasant ambiance as radiator or underfloor heating.
Conclusion
Installing an inverter AC ensures winter heating and can be a viable option if you can’t obtain or run out of pellets during the winter. It’s also efficient since one kilowatt of electricity consumed generates three kilowatts of heat.
However, relying solely on air conditioning for heating will not offer the same comfort as radiant or underfloor heating systems.
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