With the recent succession of heat waves, many people have chosen to install reversible air conditioning to improve home comfort. It’s best to take the time to consider your options carefully to find the equipment that best suits your needs.
There are several types of air conditioning systems available, developed by various manufacturers and offered at a wide range of prices to help cool your home during the hottest periods. However, not all devices perform equally, and different criteria must be taken into account. Three main models are currently on the market: the reversible air/water heat pump, the mobile air conditioner, and the single/multisplit air conditioner.
The Reversible Air/Water Heat Pump: A Special Option
In certain cases, particularly in regions with fewer heat waves, you might choose a reversible air/water heat pump to cool your living spaces.
This heating system has enhanced capabilities for heating your home in winter, and in reverse cycle mode, it can cool your home by a few degrees during the summer. However, it is only suitable for homes equipped with underfloor heating.
Cooling is not feasible with a central heating circuit composed of radiators due to the risk of condensation. This solution is also ideal if you want a heating and cooling system that can also produce domestic hot water—something an air/air heat pump cannot do.
The Mobile or Fixed Air Conditioner: The Most Affordable Option
This type of air conditioning is often considered the most practical and affordable solution when dealing with sudden temperature spikes or heat waves. Mobile air conditioners are easy to move and do not require a technician for installation or setup.
While mobile air conditioners are relatively inexpensive to purchase, they are also highly energy-intensive. They run exclusively on electricity and have limited cooling efficiency. On average, a mobile air conditioner consumes 2.5 times more energy than reversible air conditioning.
Moreover, the cooling effect of a monobloc air conditioner is quite limited compared to a model with reversible air conditioning (lowering the temperature by only 2 to 3°C). These units consume even more energy due to the flexible duct used to vent hot air through a partially open window.
Even with a sealed opening, warm outside air can enter the room you are trying to cool. Lastly, the noise level of a mobile unit can be quite high, which may be disturbing, particularly if you intend to cool a bedroom. A wall-mounted version exists in the form of a split monobloc air conditioner, which eliminates floor clutter but requires drilling an air outlet in the wall. Its performance remains relatively low, similar to its mobile counterpart.
The Single or Multi-Split Air Conditioning System: The Most Efficient Choice
Also known as an air/air heat pump, reversible air conditioning systems consist of an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units. A monosplit setup refers to installation in a single room, while a multisplit system covers multiple rooms.
The number of indoor units depends on both the number of rooms to be cooled and the total area. The purchase price of reversible air conditioning also depends on these factors and represents a larger investment. The outdoor unit connects to indoor units (which can be wall-mounted splits, consoles, or ceiling cassettes) through refrigerant lines. In some cases, ducted systems can be installed in attics or false ceilings for a more discreet setup.
Reversible air conditioning primarily uses renewable energy by drawing heat from the air (outside in winter for heating and inside in summer for cooling). It produces more energy than it consumes in electricity.
Today, most models from major air conditioning manufacturers are reversible. This 2-in-1 device can cool and heat your home, meeting your comfort needs in all seasons. Many models come with various options, either standard or add-on, to meet all your needs: Wi-Fi connectivity for remote management, air filtration, precise temperature control, and more.