Portable air conditioner with heating mode?

QrizB

givememoney said:

If you have one do you have to turn it on occasionally during the winter to keep it functioning properly or can it be left until next summer.

Mine gets left from year to year and (so far) has always started up again.

Now is a good time of year to start looking for second-hand units, as lots of people don't want to store them over the winter.

"What sort of person buys an AC in November?" A MSEer, that's who.

2nd_time_buyer

Where portable ACs work quite efficiently for heating is where you want to pump heat from the rest of the house into one area. In our case, that is my office during the day.

Screwdriva

If you're after a portable aircon that is very efficient (< 600 watts) only the Delonghi EX100 delivers. This low draw means that most PV systems can easily handle the unit = free cooling. At current energy prices, I wouldn't look elsewhere. They're often available for around £500 on ebay and some retailers. 

The AEG Chillflex Pro isn't quite as efficient but does offer heating.

I would avoid all other brands entirely. They often are poorly made, inefficient. Add in the non-existent warranty support and they will likely end up as landfill in a few years. I speak from experience. 

Exiled_Tyke

Screwdriva said:

If you're after a portable aircon that is very efficient (< 600 watts) only the Delonghi EX100 delivers. This low draw means that most PV systems can easily handle the unit = free cooling. At current energy prices, I wouldn't look elsewhere. They're often available for around £500 on ebay and some retailers. 

The AEG Chillflex Pro isn't quite as efficient but does offer heating.

I would avoid all other brands entirely. They often are poorly made, inefficient. Add in the non-existent warranty support and they will likely end up as landfill in a few years. I speak from experience. 

Which? rates AEG models better than Delonghi although they haven't reviewed the EX100.   The score Chillflex models very highly though. 

EcoScruples

I bought an ElectriQ 14000 BTU unit in the summer and I've just been trying it out for heating up my office.

It seems to do OK at raising room temp to 21 degrees but is a bit noisy to the point I have to switch it off after a bit.

It was quite cheap as it was only £300 just before the heatwave set in.