Operating principle of an air conditioner for winter heating
The use of split systems for heating residential and commercial premises during the cold season is becoming an increasingly common solution in Moldova. Unlike standard electric heaters, an air conditioner does not generate heat using heating elements, but uses the heat pump principle. In heating mode, the system extracts low-potential heat from the outdoor air, compresses the refrigerant using a compressor, and delivers the resulting heat indoors.
Modern inverter split systems are capable of operating stably at outdoor temperatures down to −15 °C. For regions with harsher winter conditions or for using the system as the primary heating source, specialized models with a winter kit and anti-freeze protection are used. Such models operate for heating at temperatures down to −25 °C while maintaining stable performance.
Energy efficiency and benefits: how much does heat cost
The main indicator of an air conditioner's heating efficiency is the Coefficient of Performance (COP). This parameter shows the ratio of thermal energy produced to electrical power consumed. In modern inverter models, the heat pump provides 3–4 kW of heat per 1 kW of electricity. This makes this heating method significantly more economical compared to oil heaters, convectors, or fan heaters, where 1 kW of electricity yields exactly 1 kW of heat.
In the Moldovan climate, where winter temperatures often range from +5 °C to −10 °C, using an inverter system allows reducing heating costs several times compared to traditional electric appliances.
Cost of installation work in Moldova
For reliable and long-lasting operation of the equipment in winter, professional installation is required. Arctica Service performs high-quality installation of split systems throughout Moldova. The cost of installation depends on the capacity of the equipment and the area of the serviced room.
| Room area | Installation cost |
|---|---|
| Up to 35 m² | 1 800 lei |
| 40–55 m² | 2 200 lei |
| 60–80 m² | 2 400 lei |
| 80–100 m² | 2 800 lei |
Services and warranty obligations of Arctica Service
Arctica Service provides a full range of services for the selection, sale, and installation of HVAC equipment. The company's specialists conduct a free survey and consultation on site within Chisinau, allowing for accurate capacity selection and determining the optimal installation location.
The main operating conditions of the company include:
- Installation of HVAC equipment in one working day.
- Payment for equipment and performed work only after completion of installation and system operability check.
- Option to purchase and install in installments through the iute system.
- Official 2-year warranty on equipment and installation work. Subject to annual maintenance and cleaning, the warranty period is extended to 5 years.
Features of operating equipment in winter
To ensure that the split system works properly and maintains its stated energy efficiency parameters at sub-zero temperatures, it is recommended to follow proper operating conditions. It is important to consider the allowable temperature range specified by the manufacturer and not start the equipment in harsher frosts if the system is not designed for it.
Arctica Service specialists recommend regular maintenance. Annual heat exchanger cleaning, refrigerant pressure checks, and drainage system inspection help avoid equipment failures in winter and extend the overall lifespan of the equipment.
In brief
- Inverter air conditioners work for heating down to −15 °C, while special heat pump models operate down to −25 °C.
- A heat pump provides 3–4 kW of heat per 1 kW of electricity, which is several times more efficient than conventional electric heaters.
- Arctica Service offers a free survey in Chisinau, installation in one day, and payment after completion of work.
- A 2-year warranty on equipment and installation is provided, expandable to 5 years with annual cleaning, as well as iute installments.