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  • maroondah heating & cooling Blog Exploring the Benefits of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Systems

Exploring the Benefits of Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning Systems

Jun 21st, 2024
Young couple switch on reverse cycle air condition

Are you always switching between separate heaters and air conditioners? It could be time to invest in an all-in-one heating and cooling system. Versatile, effective, and eco-friendly, reverse cycle systems are one of Australia’s most popular forms of air conditioning–and for good reason!

In the HVAC industry, the term reverse cycle refers to the ability to switch between heating and cooling modes. If you live in Melbourne, you’ll know that this level of adaptability is invaluable. Whenever the weather takes a sudden turn, your air conditioner will be right there to keep you comfortable.

Throughout this blog, we’re going to touch on the benefits of reverse cycle air conditioning systems, then take some time to highlight a few of the best options on the market.

How Does a Reverse Cycle System Work?

First thing first, there are two main types of reverse cycle air conditioning. These are wall mounted split systems and ducted systems. All of these are powered by electricity rather than gas. 

The term “reverse cycle” essentially means that the system can reverse its refrigeration cycle to either absorb heat from the outside and transfer it inside (heating mode) or absorb heat from the inside and transfer it outside (cooling mode).

Each reverse cycle air conditioning system comes with a compressor and refrigerant, as well as a condenser coil, evaporator coil, expansion valve, reversing valve, fans, and thermostat. The compressor, which is located in the outdoor unit, circulates the refrigerant, which then absorbs and releases heat as it changes between gas and liquid states. 

How the air is distributed depends on whether you own a ducted system or a wall mounted unit. For ducted, the cool or warm air is released through vents across the property, while for split systems, it circulates from the air grille.

Reverse cycle air conditioning system working model

The Major Benefits of a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner

Let’s get into the fun part and explore the major 5 benefits.

Versatile Climate Control

Tired of running separate heaters and coolers? This could be the perfect time to make the switch. Because reverse cycle air conditioning covers both sides of the spectrum, you can simply adjust it to the temperature you want in any conditions.

Whether it’s bitterly cold, sticky and humid or the peak of the Australian summer, comfort is available at the touch of a button. This versatile climate control is just as beneficial for work environments as it is at home. 

The other thing to note is that the performance of these air conditioners has become better than ever. In a practical sense, this means that they can heat or cool spaces more quickly and offer more evenly distributed air. A great example of this is Daikin’s Coanda Airflow technology, which was specifically developed to create even temperature control, rather than older split systems that simply blow air in a single direction.

Last but not least, new split system air conditioners come with a wide range of different modes/settings. These include everything from heating to cooling, quiet, auto, and power-saving.

Efficiency

Moving on directly from our previous point, let’s transition to another major benefit–efficiency. 

Here are some efficiency figures direct from Australia’s Department of Energy, “Reverse-cycle air conditioning is 300% to 600% efficient, which means that it can take one unit of electrical energy and turn it into 3 to 6 times as much heating or cooling energy. Under mild conditions, some products can achieve efficiencies of over 1000%.”

This all sounds good, but how do you know if a unit is going to be efficient? The answer is fairly simple! In Australia, split systems and ducted systems are given a star rating that designates how efficient they are when running.

In general, more stars equals a more efficient system. Greater efficiency also translates to less energy consumption and lower power bills. While these higher-rated units are more expensive upfront, the long-term efficiency often makes them well worth it.

Ongoing Costs

Although the federal government has confirmed its commitment to gas in the near future, Victoria is one of the states that is leading a transition to electric heating and cooling. This means that there are some offers available to help you ease the burden of purchasing a reverse cycle system.

Upfront costs aren’t the only reason to go electric. Here is a graph courtesy of Sustainability Victoria that outlines the average cost differences between running gas and electric.

Graph shows annual energy costs of common central heating options

As you can see above, even 6-star-rated gas ducted heating will cost roughly $600 more than a 1.5-star split system. 

Power-saving modes and other automated features have become a game changer, especially when it comes to the ongoing costs that come with running an air conditioner. This includes motion sensors that detect inactivity and either switch into power saving mode, or slow down entirely.

Of course, if you really want to minimise costs over the long-term, it’s always a good idea to arrange an air conditioning service. This process may be a stipulation of the product warranty itself, but either way, it helps you prevent larger issues from occurring, leading to hefty repair bills.

Air Purification

One of the issues with traditional air conditioners is that they can cause flare ups for people with asthma and allergies. Luckily, the major brands and manufacturers have noted this and developed technology to counteract it.

Whether it’s the height of summer or a freezing winter, newer reverse cycle systems will pump out air that is clean and free of allergens. This is particularly beneficial for offices and other work environments. 

Panasonic is just one of the many brands at the forefront of this push towards advanced air purification. Their signature nanoe™ technology specifically aims to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and various other allergens, all to create more clean and pure indoor climate control. 

There are also models available that have been specifically approved by the Asthma Council of Australia, which are identifiable by the Sensitive Choice blue butterfly logo.
Need a reliable reverse cycle system? We’re the go-to source for split systems in Chadstone, Hawthorn, Lilydale, and countless other areas across the city of Melbourne. Contact us now for a quote!

Innovative Features

It’s fair to say that air conditioning has come a long way in recent years. In terms of features and modes, an average model from 2024 will be almost unrecognisable in comparison to one from just 10 years prior. 

With smart connectivity, many air conditioners now come equipped with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing users to control their systems remotely via smartphone apps. This allows you to adjust settings, monitor energy usage, and receive maintenance alerts from anywhere. There’s also the ability to integrate it with the likes of Alexa or Google, making it possible to manage cooling through voice commands.

Variable speed compressors represent another key innovation, improving both energy efficiency and comfort. Unlike traditional fixed-speed compressors that cycle on and off, variable speed compressors adjust their speed based on real-time cooling demands. This results in more precise temperature control, quieter operation, and reduced energy consumption. 

Noise reduction and sustainability have also become focal points in the evolution of air conditioning technology. Manufacturers have made significant strides in reducing operating noise through improved compressor technology, better insulation, and innovative fan designs, making modern units much quieter. 

Some models are even designed to be solar-ready or incorporate heat pump technology, further enhancing their eco-friendly credentials and reducing their overall carbon footprint.

A Few Great Split System Options

At the start of the year, we covered some of the best split systems available in the summer of 23/24. Here are three great options from this list:

Daikin Alira X

The Daikin Alira X series is designed to cater to various space sizes, making it versatile for different room requirements. A standout feature is the Daikin Streamer Technology, which ensures superior air quality by removing pollen, bacteria, and mould from the environment.

Bonaire Optima Multi-Split System

Bonaire’s Optima Multi-Split System is noted for its adaptability and efficiency. It offers precise temperature control and the ability to create individual climate zones, making it ideal for diverse cooling needs. 

This system is particularly beneficial for larger homes or offices where different areas may require different temperatures simultaneously, enhancing both comfort and energy efficiency.

Panasonic CS/CU Series

Panasonic’s CS/CU series features their signature Inverter technology, which reduces power consumption by adjusting the compressor speed to minimise temperature fluctuations. Additionally, this series includes nanoe™ air purification and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, offering a blend of energy efficiency, superior air quality, and modern convenience. 

The Inverter system ensures consistent and comfortable cooling, making it a reliable choice for various spaces.

Enjoy All the Benefits of Reverse Cycle with Maroondah Air

Convinced? Whether you’re after ducted or split systems, we’re the team Melbourne has trusted for more than 25 years. Our service is built on a strong foundation of integrity, trust, and outstanding customer service. 

We pride ourselves on repeat business and word-of-mouth advertising for air conditioning installation in Melbourne. From split systems to ducted reverse cycle, our fully certified technicians have the skills and experience to tackle any project.

Reach out to us today and join the reverse cycle wave!

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