Is reverse cycling air conditioning the best work from home heating option?
With Aussies around the country still feeling the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many of us will be spending these cold winter months at least partially working from home. We’ve already discussed here at Mozo how working from home can add more than $500 to your energy bill every six months, and with heating a necessity during the coldest period of the year it’s important to find ways to keep your house warm without breaking the bank.
There’s plenty of options to keep your house warm over winter with gas, electric and portable heating methods all used by Aussies to keep their home offices’ nice and toasty as the temperatures outside drop. It might be best for your home and your energy bill however, to consider reverse cycle air conditioning.
Gas heating used to be considered the cheapest way to warm up your home, but data in recent years has shown that reverse cycle air conditioning has become the more energy-efficient and cost effective method. Keeping in mind you can then use the same system to keep you cool during the summer months (gas/portable heaters not so much…) it almost seems like a no-brainer to switch to reverse cycle air conditioning.
How does reverse cycle air conditioning work?
Reverse cycle air conditioners use heat pump technology , which allows the system to extract heat found in ambient air and move it either inside your home (heating) or outside your home (cooling).
As they rely on moving ambient heat, opposed to a gas or electric heater which must produce its own heat, reverse cycle air conditioners use less energy and are more cost efficient.
The initial cost
This is where air conditioning can fall behind the other options available. Although you’ll see a cheaper energy bill and more cost-efficient heating during winter, you will be facing a greater up-front cost than you would for a gas heater or a much-cheaper portable heater.
Research the market to find an air-con that suits your needs, but consider that an older system may be less energy and cost efficient than some newer air conditioners on the market. Newer doesn’t always mean better, but it might mean some savings in the long run.
There’s systems ranging from a few hundred dollars into the thousands, so consider your needs and what works for your home before settling for a specific air conditioner. If you can’t have a split system air conditioner installed in your home you could consider a portable window/wall reverse cycle air-con.
Is reverse cycle air conditioning best for everyone?
As mentioned previously, consider your own needs before you make any decisions. Although there’ll be a greater upfront cost, reverse cycle air conditioning will provide more efficient heating for your home and help you save on your winter energy bill. Prefer to stick with gas heating? We might be able to help you save money on your energy bill there, too.
Want to compare and save on your current energy bill? Head over to our energy hub to compare providers in your area and find the best deal for you.
