Using AC System for Heating

[JamesP82]

Im planning to install a multi split system in a full house renovation I am looking to do. Once installer mentioned on the first floor I can do away with radiators and use the AC (which is also a heat pump) to warm the first floor. I love this idea as it means no unsightly radiators! It also saves costs as I was planning to move the rads anyway.

Before I take the plunge, has anyone done this? If so, how have you found it? I will be insulting the home the best I can too (inc external wall insulation)

I have a 2room multi split, bought for the AC but do use heat mode occasionally to top a room up

I honestly wouldn't want it to be the only source of heating, save for in a garden home office or similar. They do kick out a fair amount of heat, but they're up near the ceilings & it's really not comparable to good central heating especially in larger rooms. You can't just leave them 'on' all the time either, it requires your input. And that would be annoying.

They also cost more to run than CH despite the 'on paper' efficiency you will read, because gas is so much cheaper, and you'd probably have to get them serviced much more often - the dust filters especially will need cleaning regularly.

They are absolutely awful in my opinion. It's like sitting in a room with a hairdryer on.

Thanks for your input. Something to think about then.

We had aircon that could heat. We used the heat option about 5 mornings a year. It wasn't great (the aircon was awesome).
Are you in the UK? Or somewhere warmer?

I'm in London so not usually massively cold in winters. Do you have supplementary heating?

Im always hot so the aircon is a necessity especially with our climate becoming warmer and warmer :)

The external weather was usually the heating! It was a rare day it dropped below 10C overnight, hence only using the heating occasionally. Most days it was in the 20s by lunch.

Hi, did you do this in the end, the newer more efficient ones seem to mitigate all the issues abouve. I'm thinking of doing it myself. How has it worked out?