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A/C unit vs air to air heat pump
They look the same on the wall. The difference is what they're built and rated to do.
Short answer
A cooling focused A/C unit and an air to air heat pump use the same kind of hardware. If you'll only use it on a few hot days, cooling only A/C is fine. If you want it to heat the room efficiently all winter too, buy a unit rated as a heat pump: it costs a little more and pays back in lower heating bills.
Side by side
- Cooling only A/C: lowest price, no grant, 13.5% or 23% VAT
- Air to air heat pump: rated for efficient winter heating, possible SEAI support, may qualify for 9% VAT as a heating system
- Both: need an F gas certified installer and a Safe Electric electrician
What to look for
- Heating SCOP of 4 or more for an air to air heat pump
- Low noise ratings for bedrooms: under 25 dB(A) indoors on low speed
- A refrigerant with lower global warming potential, such as R32
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