Can Air Source Heat Pumps be used as Air Conditioners in Summer?
Air source heat pumps can be used as air conditioners in summer, but certain conditions must be met. The following is a detailed analysis:
Can they be used as air conditioners?
1. Models that support both heating and cooling
If it is an air source heat pump dual-generation system (heating + cooling), summer cooling can be achieved by switching modes. The principle is similar to that of air conditioning (reverse operation of the heat pump cycle, absorbing indoor heat and discharging it outdoors).
Single-function models that only provide heating cannot be cooled. It is necessary to confirm whether the product supports cooling mode.
2. Compatibility of terminal equipment
Fan coil units: Similar to the air outlet of central air conditioners, cold air can be blown directly, and the cooling effect is close to that of air conditioners.
Floor heating pipe cooling: A few high-end systems support cooling by circulating cold water through floor heating pipes, but the water temperature needs to be controlled (usually ≥18°C) to avoid condensation on the ground, and the cooling speed is slow.
Traditional radiators: cannot be used for cooling (insufficient temperature difference and easy to condense).
Comparison of cooling effects
* Energy efficiency ratio (COP)
* Comfort
* Cooling speed
* Applicable scenarios
Air source heat pump: relatively high (about 3.0-4.0, strong energy saving)
Air conditioning: general (inverter air conditioning about 2.8-3.5)
Air source heat pump: softer (water system cooling, better humidity control)
Air conditioning: direct cold air, easy to dry, obvious temperature difference
Air source heat pump: slower (needs to exchange heat through water circulation)
Air conditioning: fast (Freon directly evaporates and absorbs heat)
Air source heat pump: large apartment, whole house cooling
Air conditioning: fast cooling in small space
Precautions for use
1. System design matching
Refrigeration requires matching fan coil units or special floor heating pipes, and radiators cannot be used.
Pipe insulation needs to be done well to avoid condensation when cold water circulates.
2. Temperature setting limit
When floor heating is used for cooling, the water temperature should not be too low (recommended ≥18℃), otherwise condensation may occur on the ground.
The air outlet temperature is slightly higher than that of the air conditioner (about 15-18℃), and it needs to be run for a long time to keep cool.
3. Energy consumption and cost
Although the energy efficiency is high, the overall power consumption of large-sized houses may be higher than that of local air conditioners when cooling the whole house.
The initial investment is relatively high (the two-generation system is 30%-50% more expensive than ordinary air conditioners).
Suitable for people
1. Families with air source heat pump two-generation installed: the mode can be switched directly without the need to purchase additional air conditioners.
2. Users who pursue comfort and energy saving: suitable for scenes that are sensitive to humidity and require long-term cooling.
3. Southern regions with hot summers and cold winters: Taking into account both winter heating and summer cooling, it is more cost-effective.
Situations not recommended
Heating-only models: cannot cool, and need to install air conditioners separately.
Old radiator system: terminal incompatibility, high cost of transformation.
Extremely high temperature areas (such as above 40℃): Traditional air conditioners have higher cooling efficiency.
