If you're contemplating using reverse cycle technology to heat and cool your entire home, you should know that not all reverse cycle AC units are the same. There are two main types of reverse cycle type ACs available to you. But first, here's an overview of how reverse cycle heating and cooling works.
How Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Works
Reverse cycle air conditioning is the ultimate temperature control solution for homeowners looking to keep their living space comfortable all year round. During summer, when indoor temperatures are high, reverse cycle air conditioning units blow cooler air to keep you cool and comfortable. When running in cooling mode, these ACs work just like standard cooling-only ACs.
When the cold weather of the winter season sets in, the same AC equipment blow warmer air to keep you warm and cosy. In other words, the AC equipment reverses their cycle to function like a heat pump.
Hence, reverse cycle air conditioning is the perfect two-in-one solution for homeowners looking to heat and cool their homes throughout the year.
2 Main Types of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Systems
1. Reverse cycle split systems
This reverse cycle AC systems comprise two or more separate units – there's an indoor unit called the evaporator unit, and an outdoor unit called the condenser unit. As their names suggest, the evaporator unit is installed within the house while the condenser unit is placed outside. Copper piping or other piping is used to connect the two units and to facilitate the flow of refrigerant within the air conditioning system.
Split systems with just one indoor unit are called single-split systems, while those with more than one indoor unit are called multi-split systems. Split systems are best for cooling small rooms or living spaces while multi-split systems are designed for larger or multiple rooms.
2. Ducted reverse cycle systems
With ducted reverse cycle systems, a series of ducts is used to deliver conditioned air to the different rooms of the home via outlets called vents. The vents are typically located in the ceiling area. The components that make the system tick are all found in the main unit located in the roof of a house.
If you already have ductwork installed in your home, then this is the ideal option for your whole house heating and cooling. It will save you the trouble of installing and maintaining a ducted cooling-only AC unit and a separate ducted heat pump, but also save you money.
If you think reverse cycle air conditioning is right for you, contact a professional HVAC contractor today and ask for a quote. If you're still unsure, you can also talk to your preferred professional about what you really need.