Warm weather in October may not please everyone. Since the start of the heating season depends on the temperature outside, residents of buildings with centralized heating may be looking for additional heating, especially at night or in the early morning. And instead of buying a fan in the summer and heaters in the winter, you can buy one device — an air conditioner with a heating function. Let’s find out how to choose one for your home in 2024.
Models with a heating mode are a universal solution for any season. However, selecting an air conditioner as an alternative heat source in the fall or winter is not yet as popular. Why do popular «blowers» lose out to air conditioners? First, portable heaters can be useful for quick localized heating, for example, in a bathroom or small work area. They only heat a limited space, whereas air conditioners can provide even heat throughout the room. Secondly, air conditioners are more energy efficient, reducing energy consumption eventually. Third, you can place the air conditioner remote control by your bedside and turn on the device to heat the room before you even leave the covers.
Even stationary electric heaters can be pricier to use because air conditioners use heat pumps that can produce more heat than they consume electricity. Of course, it all depends on the specific model and the conditions of use. But if you didn’t have time to install an air conditioner this summer or are looking to replace an old one, you should definitely consider the profitability of buying a heated model.
And if you compare air conditioners with other devices, such as convectors or oil radiators, then consider a few things:
Air conditioners can have a COP (coefficient of performance) above 3. This means that 1 kW of electricity can produce 3-4 kW of heat. Convectors and oil radiators consume more electricity because they convert it directly into heat. For example, for 1 kW of electricity consumed, they produce approximately 1 kW of heat, i.e. their efficiency is 1:1, which makes them less economical.
When buying, it is not always possible to find the COP and EER (this is a cooling indicator), but the devices are labeled A-G, which means energy efficiency class. It is best to choose equipment of the class «A+», «A++» and «A+++».
Air conditioners heat a room faster by circulating warm air that is distributed evenly. Convectors heat a room quickly enough, but can create dry air due to direct heating. Oil radiators are slower because they take time to heat the oil inside, but they retain heat longer after they are turned off.
Air conditioners are installed permanently but provide both cooling in summer and heating in winter. They do not need to be stored in another season. Convectors and oil radiators are easy to move from room to room, but in the summer they will be in a storage room somewhere and take up free space.
At first, it seems that buying an air conditioner is much pricier, and you also need to spend money on its installation. However, in the long run, buying one is more profitable because other alternatives significantly increase electricity bills.
Air conditioners are safe to use because they do not overheat and do not create a burn hazard. Convectors have exposed heating elements, which can be dangerous for children or pets.
There are two main types — split systems and mobile air conditioners. Split (also called multi-split) — this is what we see most often. On the walls outside the house, you can see the outer part of such systems, and inside — the inner part. A multislip involves several internal parts that are connected to one external part. Split systems are popular because they are powerful, comfortable, and quiet (the outdoor unit is placed on the facade and does not interfere with the work). In this selection, we have collected only wall-mounted split systems.
Mobile air conditioners — portable devices that do not need to be mounted. They can be moved, but should always be placed near windows or doors to allow hot air to escape. These devices are noisy and less efficient, but they are chosen for rented premises where you do not want to install a stationary solution.
When choosing an air conditioner, you can follow the rough rule of — 1 kW for every 10 square meters. Then the power of the device will conditionally correspond to the area of the space. Sellers and store websites will always indicate the recommended area, and you should start familiarizing yourself with the model from there.
Air conditioners with heating should have a wide temperature range because they need to work at outdoor temperatures down to -15 °C and below. If you are not limited by the budget, you can look for models with additional features, such as air purification, ionizers, or Wi-Fi control.
Cooper&Hunter Veritas NG CH-S07FTXQ-NG — is an inverter air conditioner from a well-known brand. This model belongs to the Veritas series, has a smooth power control, and belongs to the A++ energy efficiency class (both for heating and cooling). The operating temperature range is from -15°C to +48°C. It is suitable for rooms up to 22 m².
Supports I-Action technology, which ensures quiet and stable operation of the compressor even at low frequencies. This allows the device to be placed in bedrooms and children’s rooms. The outdoor unit is protected against icing.
It has built-in filters to clean the air from dust and bacteria, and the turbo mode allows you to quickly heat or cool the room. This model is worth choosing for its compactness, quiet operation, and balanced price — from 11,500 to 23,000 UAH.
Like many modern air conditioners, OSAKA STVP-09HH3 can operate in heating mode at outdoor temperatures down to -30°C and in cooling mode up to +53°C. It has compact dimensions, suitable for small rooms up to 25 m². It is supplied with a remote control.
It has similar modes to the previous model, but with a built-in ionizer and a set of filters (HEPA, catalytic and bio). It not only cools but also purifies the air from bacteria, mold, viruses, and other harmful particles, maintaining a healthy indoor climate.
It has a difference in energy efficiency class (A+ for heating and A+++ for cooling). Adapted for spaces up to 26 m². Supports «Eco» modes and «Gear» function to save energy consumption. The design provides the ability to control the vertical and horizontal movements of the louvers. This allows for more precise airflow control and achieves cooling or heating in every corner of the room.
The price varies from UAH 18,500 to 28,500.
The low noise level (maximum 36 dB, minimum 19 dB) allows you to stay calmly near the device and rest comfortably. It is optimal for rooms up to 25 m².
SENSEI SAC-09CHIE supports Wi-Fi control, and a remote control is also provided. The price varies from 14,549 to 21,165 UAH.
Haier AS20RV / 1U20RV is a modern split system from one of the leading manufacturers of climate control equipment. Designed to serve small rooms (20 m²), thanks to the Coanda effect, the airflow of this model is softer but more intense to reach remote areas of the room.
It has a high level of energy efficiency (A+ for heating, A++ for cooling) and provides a comfortable microclimate. It has a specially shaped airflow guides and supports self-cleaning function. The high-temperature sterilization function (56°C) allows you to destroy viruses and bacteria on internal surfaces in half an hour, and the Self-Clean mode will help get rid of mold on both the indoor and outdoor units.
The price for this model varies from 18,900 to 20,000 UAH.
From the TOSOT brand, you can pay attention to Hansol Winter Inverter GL-09ZS2— an inverter air conditioner that will ensure a comfortable room temperature throughout the year.
Supports auto mode selection, which allows the air conditioner to operate more smoothly by adjusting the power depending on the needs. It has a low noise level (37 dB at maximum load and 20 dB at minimum load) and can operate for heating even at outdoor temperatures as low as -25°C, making it ideal for cold winters.
It is an energy-efficient solution that is suitable for apartments, private houses and small offices.
On the market Hansol Winter Inverter GL-09ZS2 can be found at prices ranging from UAH 23,800 to 28,000.
This model from Panasonic stands out from the crowd with its stylish design. The air conditioner is available in three colors, so it will appeal to those who are tired of the same white devices and want to emphasize the elegant interior.
In addition to its appearance, the device is interesting for its efficient filtration system. Thanks to the nanoe X technology, the device cleans the air from bacteria, viruses, allergens and unpleasant odors, and therefore maintains not only a comfortable but also a healthy indoor atmosphere. This air conditioner is recommended for allergy sufferers and families with small children.
It supports advanced control thanks to a proprietary app that allows you to set the desired temperature and select modes from a distance.
The price of the model ranges from 33,299 to 40,999 UAH.