Using your air conditioning in the winter
Many people think that air
conditioning is just for the summer months, but a number of systems feature a reverse
cycle system, or heat pump. This
facility offers extra versatility as the system can be switched between cooling
and heating mode as required, keeping the workplace at a comfortable
temperature all year round. Maintaining
a comfortable workplace
temperature has been shown to improve staff health,
safety and productivity.
How do heat
pumps work?
Reverse
cycle air conditioning works by warm air passing over a refrigerant to cool it
down and lower the temperature of a room during the warmer months of the year. For
winter heating, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the outside (even on cold
days) to warm up the air going into the room to raise the internal temperature.
As well as heating,
these systems can also dehumidify the air and are an ideal way to remove airborne fungus and
mites from the workplace, creating a more hygienic environment and decreasing
the chance of airborne illnesses passing from person to person.
Ducted
or split air conditioning system?
Whether a
ducted or a split system is more suitable for your workplace, both types of air
conditioners are available with reverse cycle or heat pump functions -
Ducted air
conditioning uses a single outdoor unit to pump cool or warm air into
multiple rooms through hidden vents. As you can use the same ducts all year
round to provide heating and cooling, reverse cycle ducted air conditioning
saves space in your walls and on your roof compared to installing a separate
ducted gas heating system.
Fixed split
systems are cheaper to install, as they don't use ducts, and are connected
to outdoor units (or a single outdoor unit in a multi-head split system). Some systems can be set up to provide heating
and cooling in different zones at the same time.[1]
How much do
they save?
Using the
same system to provide heating and cooling makes practical and financial sense.
While reverse cycle systems can cost more than standard air conditioning, they use
72 percent less electricity than the portable heaters many people rely on in
the winter. In addition, savings will be made by not having to purchase,
install and service separate systems.
Regular maintenance will enable you to get the most out of your air
conditioning system.
For information on
our range of portable air conditioners with
heat pumps or to enquire about fixed air conditioner installation, do give
our Sales Team a call – 0800 440 444 – or complete our online enquiry form on the website.
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ReplyDeleteA heat pump is an efficient way to heat or cool a home or office. Essentially it works like an air conditioner in reverse. A heat pump takes the cold outdoor air &brings it into your home or office - usually through a system of ducts - and then warms up the space. Andrews Heating & Cooling provides full range of services includes installation, repair, and maintenance for home comfort systems including furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air conditioners, and indoor air quality systems.
ReplyDeleteHey, have you heard about 410a refrigerant? It's becoming really popular because it's more eco-friendly than the old refrigerants we used to use.
ReplyDelete