RightAir Solutions is a company that specialises in commercial air conditioning services.
The most efficient way to heat a room with air conditioning is by using a heat pump system powered by inverter compressor technology. These air source systems draw thermal energy from outside air even during the colder months and release it indoors using a refrigerant loop.
To get the best results, choose a model with a high Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP), keep the filters clean, and run it steadily at a moderate setting instead of turning it on and off. It’s one of the most energy efficient ways to heat a single room in the UK, particularly in urban homes across London where gas alternatives are in high demand.
Heat pump systems using reverse cycle technology absorb low temperature heat from the outdoor air and compress it to a higher temperature before distributing it indoors. This process relies on a refrigerant loop and a heat exchange mechanism.
Despite some assumptions, these air source units work well in the UK, even when outdoor temperatures are close to freezing.
COP (Coefficient of Performance) tells you how efficient the system is. A unit with a COP of 3 gives you three units of heat for every one unit of electricity it uses. SCOP goes a step further by showing how well the system performs over an entire heating season, making it more useful for the UK climate.
Energy Saving Trust, Ofgem and Defra all recognise heat pump air conditioning as a suitable low carbon heating option.
Air conditioning can be more efficient than common forms of heating.
Gas boilers produce long lasting heat but take time to warm up and lose energy through the pipes.
Storage heaters release heat slowly, but they lack temperature control and can overheat rooms.
Oil filled radiators are quiet and portable, though they heat rooms more slowly.
Air con with heat pump tech warms the room quickly, uses less electricity, and offers better control.
For many homes in London especially flats, studios or homes without gas supply air con provides a flexible and affordable heating option worth considering. RightAir specialises in helping London homeowners choose suitable systems for their space and budget.
Pro Tip: Always match the BTU output to your room size to avoid waste or underperformance.
Inverter split systems work well for heating single rooms. They adjust how much power they use based on the room’s temperature. That makes them more efficient than basic models that just turn on and off.
Wall mounted units are common in UK homes. They’re simple to install and distribute air effectively.
Choosing the right size unit is essential. One that’s too small won’t heat properly. One that’s too big will keep switching off, wasting energy.
SCOP rating above 4.0
Quiet operation (below 40 decibels)
Right BTU level for your room
Reverse cycle function
Trusted brands such as Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, or Gree
A local expert like RightAir can help you pick a model that suits your room and insulation needs, especially for properties in London boroughs where insulation and layout can vary widely.
The way a room is built affects how well it holds heat and how efficiently it can be warmed with air conditioning.
Insulation: Thicker ceilings and walls trap warmth. Poor insulation lets it escape.
Window glazing: Double and triple glazing cuts down on heat loss.
Gaps and leaks: Heat slips out through spaces around windows, doors and vents.
Room layout: Big or oddly shaped rooms may need more power or better airflow.
Wall placement: External or north facing walls tend to lose more warmth.
To improve things, check your home’s EPC or use NHBC retrofit advice. Better insulation and draught sealing can make a big difference to your heating performance.
Set the temperature between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius
Choose eco or night settings to lower energy use
Keep it running steadily instead of turning it on and off
Use a smart thermostat to manage timing and zones
Shut the doors to keep heat in the room
You could also switch to a time of use tariff with a supplier like Octopus Energy to save money by heating during off peak hours.
Here’s an example based on a 2.5 kilowatt system used for three hours a day, five days a week, at 30 pence per kilowatt hour:
Daily: 7.5 kilowatt hours
Weekly: 37.5 kilowatt hours
Monthly: 150 kilowatt hours
Cost: £45 a month
That’s usually cheaper than using electric radiators or oil heaters, especially if you’re on a renewable tariff.
Newer systems use less energy. RightAir estimates a good unit can cut your monthly heating cost by nearly one third.
For most households in and around London, this is one of the most reliable ways to reduce winter energy bills while keeping a room comfortably warm.
It spreads warmth evenly, reacts quickly to changes, and doesn’t blast air like fan heaters do.
Most models run below 40 decibels. That’s quieter than most fridges, so it’s fine for bedrooms.
Yes. Heat pump systems use less electricity and reduce emissions. The Carbon Trust and COP26 guidelines support them as part of low carbon living.
They also don’t dry the air out like some heaters, so your room stays more comfortable.
Setting the temperature too high
Forgetting to clean filters
Putting furniture in front of the unit
Leaving doors open
Using the wrong setting (like cooling instead of heating)
Pro Tip: Clean your filters every 3 months to keep your air con working efficiently and cleanly.
Use thermal curtains to keep heat in
Fit door seals to block draughts
Lay rugs on cold floors
Adjust louvres so warm air reaches where it’s needed
Clean your system regularly
These quick fixes are affordable and effective for improving energy efficient room heating.
Does it still work when it’s below freezing?
Yes. Quality systems can still extract heat, though they might be a little less efficient.
Can I leave it on overnight?
Yes. Sleep mode is designed for that.
Is it better than a radiator?
It heats faster and uses less power. Radiators keep warming after they switch off, which can be useful.
Is it good for people with allergies?
Yes. It filters dust and pollen. Just make sure you clean the filters.
How do I heat one room efficiently without central heating?
Use a reverse cycle air conditioning system with smart controls. This offers low cost, focused heating without needing to warm the whole house.
To warm a room effectively with air con:
Pick a reverse cycle inverter unit with the right BTU rating
Look for a strong SCOP score for better seasonal efficiency
Improve insulation and seal up leaks to reduce thermal loss
Clean the filters often and maintain the system properly
Use smart timers and eco settings to manage cost
For anyone looking for efficient single room heating or affordable heating options without relying on central systems, this is one of the best ways to stay warm in winter in London and the surrounding areas.
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