Airconvaal – A/C on heating mode VS electric heating. Which is more energy efficient?
If you think an electric heater will keep you warmer for less than an air conditioner in heating mode, you’re sadly mistaken.
It takes approximately 2kilowatt of power to generate 2kilowatt of heat, an electric heater is around 100% efficient, but to supply 2kW of heat, a reverse cycle air conditioner only needs 0.6kw of electrical power.
That’s because the air con’s heat pump extracts a lot of FREE heat from the air. This ambient heat warms the normally chilled liquid refrigerant and converts it into a gas, after which the force of the compressor causes it heat up even more. A condenser then transfers the heat from the gas into the expelled air and that’s the whole heating process at literally a third of the cost of an electric heater!
5 other reasons to use your air con in heating mode instead of an electric heater
- Not only are electric heaters two-thirds more expensive to run, but they waste electricity by overheating the room. Not so with an air conditioner, thanks to its innovative thermostat which shuts off when the desired temperature has been reached.
- With an electric bar heater, it’s super-hot nearest the heater and not so hot the further you move away from it. Compare this to your air con which pushes the warm air evenly throughout the room.
- Electric heaters aren’t nearly as safe. They can burn kids and pets who get too close, cause curtains and other materials to singe and catch fire, plus heaters are notorious at overloading circuits so there’s a further risk of fire.
- Modern air conditioners are more controllable, thanks to things such as timers and sleep mode.
- Electric heaters are only heaters, while air conditioners cool as well. This is the biggest reason to opt out for a versatile air-conditioner. Well, the second biggest after that massive saving on your power bill!
For more information about your air conditioner heating mode or general friendly advice regarding air conditioning visit us at www.airconvaal.co.za
Related Articles
