Many air conditioners can not only be used to cool down the room temperature but also for heating. In addition, some heating systems are also suitable for cooling.
Are there air conditioners with a heating function for RV?
Most people associate air conditioning with cool, fresh room air or pleasant cooling in the camper. However, many people do not know that air conditioning systems can also be used for heating. An air conditioner works in a similar way to a heat pump, which is why most heat pumps can also be used for cooling.
In the air conditioning system, a refrigerant is compressed using a compressor. In the cooling fins, the liquefied agent is vaporized, releasing cold. With the help of ventilation, a cool air flow is generated that can keep your RV cool. The more the air conditioner cools down the interior, the more heat it generates, which is emitted to the outside.
In order for an air conditioner to become a heater, this process is simply reversed. The refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor unit and is then condensed. It absorbs heat from the outside air and releases it back into the interior. Since heat pumps work according to this principle, this process is also known as the heat pump cycle.
Should you choose heating or air conditioning?
In principle, an air conditioning system with a heating function can make sense in holiday homes if cooling is required. This is especially in summer and the heating function is only required sporadically in winter.
When it comes to a particularly energy-efficient heating system, an air conditioning system will not be able to keep up with a heat pump. Air conditioning is therefore less suitable as the sole heating system for a residential building or apartment.
Air conditioning for heating only makes sense under certain conditions
Anyone who wants to heat and cool at the same time should consider purchasing a heat pump. This has the benefit that heat pumps cover heating and hot water requirements all year round and are in most cases also suitable for cooling. Although they also require electricity to operate, they are extremely efficient. Heat pumps can produce 3-5 kWh of heat from one kWh of electricity.
In addition, most energy suppliers now offer special electricity tariffs for heat pumps that are up to 25 percent cheaper than normal household electricity.