Smart air conditioning technology optimizes home heating

New technological approaches are emerging to optimize air conditioning for home heating and energy efficiency. The Eindhoven-based company Ona has developed a system that uses a home's thermal mass—such as floors, walls, and ceilings—as a 'concrete battery.' By using an Energy Hub and an infrared Airco Controller, the system pre-heats the home during hours when electricity is cheap or solar production is high, allowing the structure to gradually release heat during more expensive evening hours.

While this method can save significant costs for households with dynamic energy contracts and solar panels, it requires approximately 20 percent extra energy to compensate for heat loss during the storage process.

In a related discussion on HVAC efficiency, experts emphasize that air conditioning units intended primarily for cooling may not be suitable as primary heating sources during cold winter days. Proper selection and installation are critical to ensure efficiency and avoid long-term costs when using air conditioning for year-round climate control.