As winter sets in, most people rely on room heaters to keep their homes warm. However, what many don’t realize is that their modern air conditioner (AC) can also function as an efficient room heater — that too, at a lower electricity cost. If your inverter or split AC supports a heat mode, you can use it to keep your room cozy while saving up to 30–40% on your power bill.
Modern inverter and split air conditioners come with a “heat pump” or “reverse cycle” feature. Unlike traditional heaters that generate heat through electrical resistance, this system extracts heat from the outdoor air and transfers it indoors.
This process uses significantly less power, making it 30–40% more energy-efficient than standard room heaters.
For example, while a regular heater converts electricity directly into heat, an AC in heat mode simply moves existing heat energy, consuming far less electricity in the process.
If your AC has the heat mode option, you can easily turn it into a heater:
Press the “Mode” button on your remote until you see the sun icon (☀️) or the word “HEAT.”
Set the temperature between 24°C and 26°C for optimal comfort.
Wait for 1–2 minutes as the system switches from cooling to heating mode. It’s normal for cool air to blow initially — the warm airflow starts once the compressor stabilizes.
To maximize efficiency and reduce energy use, follow these simple tips:
Keep doors and windows closed to prevent warm air from escaping.
Turn on the “Swing Mode” to evenly distribute heat across the room.
Avoid setting the temperature above 27°C, as it won’t make the room significantly warmer but will increase power consumption.
Use it in a well-insulated or moderately sized room for the best results.
Energy-efficient: Consumes 30–40% less power compared to coil or oil-filled heaters.
Even heating: Distributes warm air uniformly, avoiding hot or cold spots.
Safer and cleaner: No exposed coils, no risk of burns, and no dryness or suffocation caused by traditional heaters.
Dual-purpose appliance: The same AC can serve you year-round — cooling in summer, heating in winter.
However, the performance of the heat mode also depends on room size and insulation quality. Larger or poorly insulated rooms might require longer heating time, leading to higher electricity use.
If you already own a split or inverter AC, you don’t need to spend extra on a separate room heater this winter. Simply activate the heat mode, set the right temperature, and enjoy a warm, comfortable atmosphere — all while cutting your electricity bill by up to 40%.
This smart and eco-friendly method ensures you stay cozy through the cold months without burning a hole in your pocket.
