Air Conditioning systems used for Heating....?
K EDWARDS • December 25, 2025
Air Conditioning as an Energy-Efficient Heating Strategy: A Practical Advantage for UK Businesses and Property Owners
As UK organisations navigate rising operational costs, decarbonisation pressures and tighter emissions expectations, many are reassessing their heating strategy. One technology is emerging as a clear leader for both cost efficiency and sustainability: modern air conditioning systems operating as high-efficiency heat pumps.
These systems are no longer simply cooling appliances; they are versatile, low-carbon HVAC assets delivering highly efficient heating across commercial premises and multi-occupancy buildings — often outperforming traditional gas, oil and biomass systems on both cost and performance.
Exceptional Heating Efficiency With Immediate Operational Benefits
Heat pump–driven air conditioning doesn’t generate heat through combustion. Instead, it transfers heat from the outside air — even in cold conditions — and multiplies the usable output. This gives it a significant efficiency advantage.
Typical performance figures show:
- 300–400% heating efficiency (COP 3–4)
- Substantial reductions in energy consumption compared with gas or oil boilers
- Lower carbon intensity, supporting CSR and ESG commitments
- Consistent heat delivery with precise digital controls
When energy costs are unpredictable, the ability to generate multiple units of heat from a single unit of electricity provides meaningful and immediate savings for commercial budgets.
Cost Control in a High-Price Energy Market
The volatility of UK gas and oil prices continues to place pressure on businesses. Air-conditioning-based heating systems, by contrast, offer:
- Predictable operational costs
- Lower peak demand costs when paired with smart controls or timers
- No oil deliveries, no fuel storage, and no exposure to supply-chain price spikes
- Reduced maintenance compared with combustion boilers or biomass systems
For many SMEs and commercial property operators, switching key areas — offices, customer-facing spaces, workshops, meeting rooms — to heat-pump-based AC can reduce winter heating expenditure without compromising comfort.
Practical Advantages for Commercial Premises
Air conditioning as a year-round HVAC solution offers several professional advantages:
- Zoned heating control to eliminate unnecessary energy usage
- Rapid response times, ideal for variable occupancy patterns
- Integrated cooling capability for summer trading and staff comfort
- Enhanced indoor air quality via onboard filtration systems
- Minimal disruption during installation, especially in retrofit scenarios
For landlords, developers and facilities managers, these systems also streamline compliance with evolving UK environmental standards and offer strong long-term asset value.
A Future-Ready Heating Solution Aligned With UK Policy
As the UK transitions away from fossil-fuel heating, businesses and property investors increasingly need solutions that demonstrate sustainability, resilience, and cost efficiency.
Modern air conditioning heat pumps meet all three requirements:
- Contribute to lower carbon emissions
- Reduce reliance on oil, gas and solid fuels
- Support EPC improvements and future regulatory compliance
- Offer both heating and cooling in a single technology platform
For many commercial environments, they represent a strategic upgrade that improves comfort, cuts running costs, and strengthens environmental performance in one step.
The Toshiba Haori wall-mounted split system is a premium air-conditioning solution designed for commercial and light-commercial environments where aesthetics, acoustic comfort, energy efficiency and smart control are equally important. With its distinctive stretched fabric fascia , advanced inverter performance and strong seasonal efficiency ratings, the Haori is well suited to offices, reception areas, meeting rooms, retail spaces and hospitality settings. Design and Aesthetics A defining feature of the Toshiba Haori is its stretched fabric fascia , which sets it apart from traditional plastic-fronted air-conditioning units. Standard finishes: Light grey and dark grey fabric supplied directly by the manufacturer Optional colours: A wider range of fabric colours available via Toshiba’s official website, allowing businesses to align the unit with interior design schemes or brand colours Form factor: Slim, modern profile that integrates cleanly into professional interiors This makes the Haori particularly attractive for client-facing and design-conscious commercial spaces , where visual impact matters. Energy Efficiency Ratings (Key Metrics) Energy efficiency is a key consideration for businesses facing rising energy costs and ESG reporting requirements. The Toshiba Haori performs strongly across all key efficiency indicators: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): Up to 8.5 (A+++) on selected models, delivering excellent cooling efficiency and reduced electricity consumption during peak summer operation. SCOP (Seasonal Coefficient of Performance): Up to 5.1 (A+++) , providing highly efficient heating performance and making the Haori suitable as a primary or supplementary heat source. COP (Coefficient of Performance): Typically 3.6–5.1 , depending on capacity, reflecting efficient real-world operation in both heating and cooling modes. Exact figures vary by unit size — technical datasheets should always be consulted during specification. Smart Connectivity and Control The Toshiba Haori supports Wi-Fi connectivity via Toshiba’s Home AC Control platform, offering benefits that are particularly valuable for commercial users and facilities managers: Remote control of temperature, modes and fan speed Advanced scheduling to prevent unnecessary out-of-hours operation Centralised control of multiple units across a site Compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant These features enable better energy management, reduced wastage and improved occupant comfort , especially in offices with variable occupancy patterns. Acoustic Performance (dB(A) Ratings) Noise levels are a critical factor in professional environments such as offices, meeting rooms and reception areas. The Toshiba Haori performs well acoustically: Indoor unit sound pressure levels: As low as 19–21 dB(A) on low fan speed Typically 38–41 dB(A) at higher output settings Outdoor unit: Designed for quiet external operation, helping to minimise disturbance in urban or mixed-use settings (subject to siting and acoustic conditions) These low noise levels make the Haori suitable for environments where concentration, conversation and customer experience are priorities. Air Quality and Comfort Features The Haori includes features aimed at improving overall indoor comfort and air quality: Advanced filtration: Helps reduce dust, pollen and airborne particulates Anti-bacterial and deodorising filters (model-dependent) Even airflow distribution for consistent temperature control Stable inverter modulation to avoid temperature fluctuations While not positioned as a dedicated air purification system, these features support healthier and more comfortable indoor environments. Performance and Application The Toshiba Haori delivers: Rapid response heating and cooling Stable temperature control under varying loads A range of capacities suitable for different room sizes It is particularly well suited to: Commercial offices and boardrooms Reception areas and client-facing spaces Retail units and showrooms Hospitality lounges, hotel public areas and boutique premises Pros and Cons (Commercial Perspective) Pros ✔ Distinctive stretched fabric fascia with custom colour options ✔ Very low indoor noise levels (from ~19 dB(A)) ✔ Excellent SEER and SCOP efficiency ratings ✔ Smart Wi-Fi control and scheduling ✔ Suitable for client-facing, design-led environments Cons ✘ Premium design may be unnecessary for purely industrial spaces ✘ Some smart features require correct network setup Who the Toshiba Haori Is Best For The Haori is ideal for businesses that value: Visual integration with modern interiors Quiet operation in professional environments Energy efficiency and reduced operating costs Smart control and future-proofed HVAC solutions It is especially appealing to offices, landlords, designers, and hospitality operators seeking a balance between performance and presentation. Verdict (Business Perspective) The Toshiba Haori wall-mounted split system is a refined, high-efficiency air-conditioning solution that combines low noise operation, strong seasonal efficiency, smart connectivity and distinctive fabric-fronted design . For commercial spaces where comfort, appearance and energy performance all matter, the Haori represents a premium yet practical HVAC choice.
and why is it important to your business?
Things for you to check before calling us!
As temperatures drop across Bedfordshire, many businesses assume their air conditioning units can be ignored until summer. In reality, winter is the perfect time to give your system the attention it needs. Neglecting maintenance now can lead to costly breakdowns just when you need reliable climate control the most. 🌬 Why Winter Maintenance Matters Heating mode reliance : Modern AC units often double as heating systems, air-to-air heat pumps so to speak. If filters, coils, or fans are dirty, efficiency drops and heating bills rise. Preventing downtime : A sudden failure in January could leave staff and customers uncomfortable, impacting productivity and sales. Energy savings : Regular servicing ensures your system runs smoothly, reducing unnecessary energy consumption during peak heating months. 🛠 Common Winter Concerns for Businesses Blocked filters from autumn dust and debris. Frozen coils if units aren’t properly maintained. Wear and tear from switching between heating and cooling modes. Blocked Condenser coils from all the leaf litter fallen over the last few months ✅ Smart Steps for Bedfordshire Businesses Schedule a professional inspection before the coldest months bite hard. Replace or clean filters regularly. Check thermostats and controls to ensure accurate temperature regulation. Keep outdoor units clear of leaves and frost. 📈 The Business Case A well-maintained system isn’t just about comfort—it’s about protecting your bottom line. Lower energy bills, fewer emergency callouts, and a healthier workplace environment all add up to stronger business performance and higher customer spend. Final thought: Winter is not the time to forget your air conditioning—it’s the time to future-proof it. Bedfordshire businesses that invest in maintenance now will enjoy smoother operations and fewer headaches when summer rolls back around.
How regular servicing can save your company thousands!
Why Air Conditioning is Essential for Bedfordshire Businesses: Comfort, Productivity, and Profitability
and what you should look out for!
What is all the fuss about?
What is Radon?
The general answer is - whatever suits the individual! But, there are other more specific factors which can assist you if you're wondering about the 'perfect temperature' for your a/c system. The ideal indoor temperature can vary depending on several factors, including the season, humidity levels, and the age and sex of the occupants(1). Here's a detailed overview: Winter During winter, maintaining a balance between comfort and energy efficiency is crucial: Healthy Adults: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting indoor temperatures to around 18°C for healthy, well-dressed individuals (2). Elderly and Children: For older adults, young children, or those with health conditions, the ideal temperature is slightly warmer, around 20°C. (3) Summer In summer, the goal is to keep indoor spaces cool without excessive energy consumption: General Recommendation: Aim to keep indoor temperatures between 20-22°C (4). If using air conditioning, you may wish to consider setting your setpoint to around 23-24°C to save energy while maintaining comfort. As a rule of thumb; the higher the ambient temperature, the higher your setpoint can be to still feel comfortable. Humidity's Role Humidity levels significantly impact perceived temperature and comfort (5). High Humidity: Feels warmer, so maintaining an indoor relative humidity (RH) between 30-50% can help manage comfort efficiently (5). Low Humidity: Can feel cooler but may cause dryness; using humidifiers in winter when heating is on can balance this. Water features, fish tanks/bowls and pot-plants located in the appropriate room can assist with this as well. Gender and Age Considerations: Men and Women: Studies indicate that women generally prefer slightly higher indoor temperatures than men. The average neutral temperature can be about 2-3°C higher for women. Infants: Ideal room temperatures for infants range between 16-20°C to reduce risks associated with being too warm or cold (3). Older Adults: Keeping main living areas around 20°C ensures comfort and reduces health risks linked to colder environments (3). Tips to Maintain Ideal Temperature: Insulation: Proper insulation helps maintain temperature consistency and reduce energy costs (4). Ventilation: Ensuring good ventilation, especially in high humidity areas like kitchens and bathrooms, helps maintain comfort (5). Smart Thermostats: Use smart thermostats to automatically adjust temperatures based on occupancy and time of day. By balancing temperature and humidity, you can create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for everyone. (1) feta.co.uk (2) www.zmescience.com (3) www.britishgas.co.uk (4) www.doubleglazingnetwork.com (5) www.groundworks.com
