The Top 7 Benefits of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning

Sep 04, 2023

Tired of scorching summers and freezing winters? It’s time to make the switch and get on the reverse cycle wave. As we’ll cover throughout this article, these all-in-one systems have countless benefits for home and business owners.

From homes and offices to restaurants and warehouses, reverse cycle units can be found in properties across Australia. In large part, this is due to their versatility, efficiency, and ability to effortlessly switch between heating and cooling.

Unlike evaporative cooling or hydronic heating, these units are not designed for a single purpose or season of the year. Reverse cycle systems allow for precise temperature control that can adapt to the middle of Summer, Winter, Autumn or Spring. 

Versatility is one of the major reasons why more and more people have made the switch to reverse cycle. However, as we’ll go on to cover, this is just a snapshot of the many benefits available.

How Does Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Work Exactly?

Even if you’re unfamiliar with the term, chances are that you’ve worked, visited or lived in a property with a reverse cycle unit. From Mitsubishi to Daikin, Brivis and more, reverse cycle technology is a staple for almost every major HVAC brand and manufacturer.

As evident by its name, these systems shift between heating and cooling modes, ‘reversing’ the flow of air in line with the user’s chosen temperature. This is generally referred to as the process of exchange. To heat your home, the unit absorbs heat from outdoors, cools it and circulates it across your indoor space. For cooling, the same process takes place with the roles reversed.

In order to both heat and cool, the central system must be directly connected to an outdoor unit. Other components needed for each function are as follows:

Cooling requires a working refrigerant

Heating requires a working heat pump

What Types of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioners are Available?

While all reverse cycle units operate on the same premise, the key difference lies in the way that they distribute air. The two main styles available are split systems and ducted.

Split systems circulate air from a single (or multiple) mounted units, while a ducted system distributes air via a series of vents and air grilles. Of course, both styles still need a functional outdoor condenser to operate. 

Before we go any further, it’s important to note that not all split systems are reverse cycle. Some will only come with a cooling mode. If you live in warm/tropical climates like that of Brisbane or Far North Queensland, these are generally a safe bet. In Melbourne, however, you never quite know what the weather is going to throw at you – especially during the long and cold winters.

So, in simple terms, you have three options – ducted or single and multiple split system units. The good news is that all three share many of the very same benefits. Let’s explore them in more depth now.

 

1. An All-in-One Solution

Tired of the hassle of managing separate cooling and heating systems? Reverse cycle air conditioning offers a convenient all-in-one solution. Instead of having to switch between different units for different seasons, you can rely on a single system to provide both cooling during the scorching summer months and efficient heating when winter sets in.

Across the board, this eliminates the need to run multiple appliances, while also reducing effort and maintenance. With an all-in-one reverse cycle system, you can enjoy year-round comfort without the logistical challenges posed by traditional cooling and heating methods.

This way, you’ll only pay once and be covered for all four seasons. All it takes is the press of a button and your unit will effortlessly switch between cooling and heating modes. With the right brand, make and model, it’s all that simple.

Manufacturers such as Daikin and Mitsubishi both create incredibly versatile systems that offer precise temperature control. What’s more, modern units are simple and easy to operate.

2. Year Round Coverage

Following right on from our previous point, one of the standout benefits of reverse cycle air conditioning is its year-round coverage. No longer will you have to endure uncomfortable temperatures during extreme weather conditions.

While cooling only air con is effective during the height of summer, they are effectively redundant for the other half of the year. Of course, this also depends on the local climate. Regardless, single purpose cooling and heating lacks the ability to adapt to different conditions.

With reverse cycle systems, you can stay cool during the sweltering heatwaves and warm and cosy during frosty winters. This comprehensive coverage allows you to create the perfect indoor environment throughout every season. If you work from home, this versatility can elevate your everyday productivity.

 

3. Whisper Quiet Operation

In a world where peace and quiet are highly valued, reverse cycle air conditioning shines by offering whisper-quiet operation. Unlike older cooling and heating systems that could be noisy and disruptive, modern reverse cycle units are engineered to operate with minimal sound.

This means you can enjoy the perfect temperature without the distraction of loud humming or buzzing noises often seen with portable heaters and evaporative coolers. Whether you’re trying to concentrate in an office, relax at home, or provide a serene atmosphere in a restaurant, the quiet operation of reverse cycle air conditioning is a serious advantage. 

Some other excellent features include Quiet Mode, Sleep Mode, Eco Mode and much more. Ultimately, these innovations allow you to add heating and cooling with minimal fuss and disruption. 

4. Excellent Energy Efficiency

As concerns about energy consumption and environmental impact grow, reverse cycle air conditioning stands out as an energy-efficient solution. Today’s systems are designed to use less energy, while both achieving and exceeding the user’s climate needs.

Traditional heating methods (such as gas and electric heaters) can be energy-intensive and costly, but reverse cycle units offer a more economical alternative. By consuming less energy, you not only save on utility bills, but also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint, making it a win-win for both your wallet and the planet.

One way to gauge a unit’s efficiency is to check its energy star rating. In Australia, the vast majority of reverse cycle systems come with a clear rating. These typically range anywhere from 1 to 6, yet some have attained the prestigious distinction of 7 stars. In the case of reverse cycle, they will have separate ratings for both heating and cooling capacity.

However, when you choose major brands and trusted manufacturers, energy efficiency rarely becomes a concern. 

5. Precise Temperature Control

Gone are the days of guessing whether your home or office will be too hot or too cold. Reverse cycle air conditioning provides precise temperature control. This allows you to set your preferred temperature with more accuracy than ever before. While adjusting the temperature is a constant battle in offices across Australia, precise temperature control is still a major plus for commercial spaces. 

Whether you’re looking to maintain a steady temperature for comfort or to create a specific ambiance, reverse cycle systems give you the flexibility to fine-tune the climate according to your preferences. The user also has greater control over the strength of the airflow. 

Thanks to recent technological advancements, modern heating and cooling systems distribute air evenly across the room, rather than blowing it solely in one straight line. In turn, this helps with energy efficiency and comfort. Through inverter technology and sensors, newer units also have the ability to automatically detect conditions and adjust the temperature accordingly. 

6. A Variety of Styles

Not all spaces are the same, and neither are the preferences of property owners. Reverse cycle air conditioning caters to this diversity by offering a variety of styles to choose from. Split systems are perfect for those who want to target specific rooms, while ducted systems provide a more centralised approach, distributing air through vents and grilles.

This versatility helps you to find the right style, one that will match your property’s layout and your personal aesthetic preferences. Another key factor to consider is the energy capacity of the unit. Aircon units are also grouped based on their capacity for energy output, which is measured in KWs.

Whether you’re after reverse cycle air conditioning in Craigieburn or Richmond, always remember to double check the capacity, size and output of the unit. Keep in mind that buying the wrong style can lead to higher electricity bills and require more ongoing maintenance. If in doubt, reach out to HVAC professionals for advice. 

7. Zoning Technology (For Ducted Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning)

Modern ducted reverse cycle air conditioners have taken user customisation to the next level. How? Zoning technology. This feature allows you to divide your property into different zones and control the temperature in each zone independently, which is a great way to avoid debates in a household or business. 

Basically, zoning technology is exactly as it sounds. This feature allows the user to designate specific zones during installation, which then open the doors to custom temperature control in each individual room. If you own a larger home, this is one of the major benefits of a ducted air conditioning system. 

For instance, you can set a comfortable temperature in the living room, while still keeping the bedrooms cooler for sleeping. This not only maximises comfort, but also contributes to energy efficiency by directing airflow only to the areas that require conditioning.

Zoning technology embodies the combination of versatility and efficiency that modern reverse cycle systems bring to the table.

Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning – The Smart Choice

From split system air conditioners to ducted, reverse cycle combines user friendly features with year round comfort. Overall, they represent excellent value for money, translating to lower energy bills and greater efficiency across all four seasons.

Saying goodbye to old heaters and coolers could be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Working with an experienced HVAC company will also make your transition as smooth and stress free as possible. If you’re interested in a reverse cycle system, Absolute Airflow can install air conditioning in Werribee, Ringwood, Epping and almost any other corner of Melbourne.

Speak with us now for a free quote.