How to use your Air Conditioning to heat your home in winter

As the days start to get cooler, and we slowly move into winter for another year, you’ll probably be feeling that early morning chill.

Working from home more may also mean that you’re trying to keep warm without completely blowing out your electricity or gas bill. So you’ll want to learn how to keep your house at a comfortable temperature while still being cost efficient. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how you can keep warm this winter without having to attend those Zoom meetings wrapped in scarves, hats and blankets!

Why use your AC for heating your home?

There are a number of reasons using your AC to heat your home is a smart idea. It’s cost effective and energy efficient, for starters. Did you know that a reverse-cycle air conditioner can turn one unit of thermal energy into up to six times as much heat?

Not only are they efficient heaters and coolers, they’re also convenient to install and easy to use. Maintaining them is simple, and a lot easier than older heating and cooling systems. Another reason using your AC to heat your home is that it’s a lot safer than using portable electric heaters, which run the risk of short circuiting and becoming a fire hazard.

How does using an AC for heating work?

The reverse-cycle technology in many air conditioning units means you can heat and cool a space using the one appliance. On the heating setting, the refrigerant gas, which is also used to create the cool air in your home, gets passed through a coil which absorbs heat from outside. As this heat gets condensed and compressed, it becomes the warm air that your unit will use to heat your space.

How to get your AC heat-mode read

There are a few things you can do to make sure your AC is heating your home efficiently and optimally.

Check your filters

First, you should check your filter is clean. Cleaning your filter regularly is a good habit to get into, but it’s especially important to clean your filter if you’re going to use your AC unit for heating. This will help lower the risk of a fire hazard, as your AC unit can collect dust over time.

Put your AC on auto mode

You’ll also want to switch your AC to ‘auto mode’ rather than ‘heat mode’. This will allow your AC unit to maintain your preferred temperature, and save on energy costs as you won’t be running the fan for longer than necessary.

Redirect the louvers

By redirecting the louvers on your AC in a downwards position, this will allow the air to circulate more efficiently through your home, as hot air rises. Just remember to redirect them back into position in summertime, to allow your cool air to flow optimally as well.

Need a hand?

If you’re in doubt about using your AC for heating this winter, we can help. Get in touch with us to organise a service for your AC, so we can make sure it’s in top condition to heat your home. Then, we can walk you through the steps to keeping your home cosy all winter long.