Can a heat pump be used as an air conditioner?

Key takeaways:

• Heat pumps work by efficiently transferring heat from outdoor air; during the summer this process can reversed to move indoor heat outside
• To use your heat pump for cooling, you’ll need to make some adaptations, like installing hydronic fan coils
• Heat pumps are an efficient solution for year-round indoor comfort

Heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling by transferring heat instead of generating it, making them a sustainable and versatile choice for year-round comfort. While they are not air conditioners, they can provide some relief from the summer swelter. Here’s a closer look at how heat pumps work, their advantages, and their ability to keep you cool during the warmer months.

How heat pumps work

Heat pumps are multitaskers in climate control. During colder months, they use refrigerants to transfer heat from outside to inside. In summer, they can reverse this flow to operate like air conditioners, extracting indoor heat and releasing it outdoors to cool your home. A key component — the reversing valve — allows them to switch seamlessly between heating and cooling modes from the Aira Home Energy app.

Hydronic fan coils

These fan coil units use chilled water to cool the air. Compact and efficient, they help maintain a stable indoor temperature during warm summer months. While they are not a standard part of a heat pump installation, they are an easy addition with the right adaptations.

Cooling efficiency of heat pumps

Heat pumps excel in energy efficiency. During cooling, they transfer heat from indoors to outdoors using significantly less energy than traditional air conditioners. A high SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating ensures reduced running costs and lower energy consumption.

Heat pumps paired with hydronic fan coils can also dehumidify the air, increasing indoor comfort. However, to maximise efficiency, maintain consistent thermostat settings (23–26°C) and clean filters regularly.

Advantages of heat pumps over air conditioners

• Dual Functionality: Heat pumps provide both heating and cooling, eliminating the need for separate systems.
• Energy Efficiency: They use up to 50% less energy than traditional AC units.
• Cost Savings: While the upfront cost is higher, lower energy bills and government incentives can offset the initial investment.

Conclusion

For those seeking an efficient, sustainable solution that works year-round, heat pumps are an excellent investment. They redefine home comfort by efficiently cooling in summer and warming in winter, all while lowering your carbon footprint and energy bills.