What Is Reverse-Cycle Air Conditioning and Is It Worth It?

Reverse-cycle air conditioning is the most common thing we install now, and for good reason. It heats in winter and cools in summer from one unit, and it does the heating job for less money than gas in most homes.

How it works

A reverse-cycle system doesn't create heat – it moves it. In summer it takes heat from inside your home and dumps it outside. In winter it runs the other way, pulling warmth out of the outside air (yes, even on a cold Bendigo morning) and bringing it inside. That's why it's also called a heat pump.

Why moving heat is cheaper than making it

This is where the efficiency comes from. A gas heater or an electric bar heater can only ever turn one unit of energy into one unit of heat. A heat pump delivers three to five units of heat for every one unit of electricity, because most of the heat is already out there – it's just being moved. That ratio is the COP, or coefficient of performance. A COP of 4 means four times the heat out for the power in.

What that means for your bills

In real terms, running a modern reverse-cycle system to heat your living area usually costs less per hour than gas ducted heating, and much less than portable electric heaters. The gap has grown as gas prices have risen. If you have solar, the sums get better again, because you can pre-heat or pre-cool the house during the day on your own power.

Does it still work when it's cold?

Yes. Modern inverter units are rated to keep producing heat well below zero, and Bendigo mornings rarely test that. Efficiency does drop as it gets colder, and the outdoor unit will run a short defrost cycle occasionally – that's normal, not a fault.

Split or ducted?

A split system suits one room or an open living area and is the cheapest way in. Ducted reverse cycle warms and cools the whole house through outlets in each room, ideally with zoning so you're not paying to condition empty bedrooms. Many homes start with a split in the main living area and add more later.

Is it worth it?

If your gas heater is nearing the end of its life, or you're cooling with an old, tired unit, reverse cycle is usually the sensible replacement. One system, two jobs, lower running costs, and no gas appliance to service each year.

Need a hand?

We're a local Bendigo team and we're happy to take a look. Give us a call on (03) 5444 4677 for honest advice and a free quote.