5.9 Reverse cycle air conditioners

5.9 Reverse cycle air conditioners

An efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner heats and cools your home using much less energy than older systems or separate heaters. It is one of the upgrades you may be able to choose through Home Energy Saver.

Key features

  • One system for both heating and cooling.
  • Uses less energy than older air conditioners and portable or electric heaters.
  • Filters that can help remove dust, allergens and pollutants.
  • Options to suit a single room, several rooms, or a whole home.

How it works

A reverse-cycle air conditioner is an all in one heating and cooling solution. In summer it moves heat from inside your home to the outside. In winter it reverses this, drawing warmth from the outside air, even when it is cold, to heat your home.

There are three main types. Split systems have one indoor unit and one outdoor unit, good for a single room. Multi-split systems have one outdoor unit and several indoor units, good for several rooms. Ducted systems use a central unit to manage the temperature across a whole home.

A few key facts

  • Savings: an efficient system may save around $200 to $600 a year on your energy bills compared with an old system. This is indicative only and depends on your home, your system and how you use it. 
  • Sizes: systems range from about 2.5 kW for a single room up to 20 kW or more for whole-home ducted and multi-head systems.
  • Emissions: using less energy to heat and cool your home also lowers your carbon emissions.

Is it right for your home?

An efficient reverse-cycle air conditioner may suit your home if you:

  • are replacing an old or inefficient air conditioner or heater
  • want one system for both heating and cooling
  • want to control the temperature in specific rooms, or across your whole home.

Your electrical and safety assessment confirms the right type and size for your home before anything is installed. See Your electrical and safety assessment and Quote.

Other government incentives

Some upgrades may also qualify for other NSW Government incentives, the Energy Savings Scheme (ESS) and the Peak Demand Reduction Scheme (PDRS). Where they apply, these are applied automatically to eligible products at estimate and quote, so you do not need to make a separate application. See How much will I pay? for your Home Energy Saver discount and contribution, and Other incentives for how these schemes work.

Learn more about NSW Energy Saving Schemes

Available models for Home Energy Saver discounts

Full list of currently available models at: creditex.com.au/hes/products/reverse-cycle-air-conditioner

The list may change as products are added or removed, and the models available to you are confirmed at your electrical and safety assessment.

Home Energy Saver discounts are funded by the NSW Government and delivered by Creditex.