The plain-English difference
An air conditioner moves heat from indoors to outdoors. A reversible heat pump can move heat both ways, providing cooling in summer and heating in cooler months. Air-to-air heat pumps are often similar to mini-split AC systems.
Air-to-air heat pumps
Air-to-air systems use indoor wall units and an outdoor unit. They can be excellent for cooling specific rooms and providing efficient heating, especially in shoulder seasons or homes without central cooling.
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Air-to-air heat pump information card
Air-to-Air Heat Pump / Mini-Split
Best for: owners who want efficient cooling and shoulder-season heating
Key features
- Outdoor unit plus indoor head
- High efficiency cooling
- Can provide heating
Approx price
Often £1,500-£4,000+ / €1,800-€5,000+ installed
Pros
- Quiet indoor cooling
- Much more efficient than portable AC
- A long-term home upgrade
Cons
- Needs permission and installation
- Outdoor unit placement matters
- Higher upfront cost
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Not the same as whole-home wet heat pumps
Air-to-water heat pumps connect to radiators or underfloor heating and are usually discussed as boiler replacements. They are a different project from adding cooling to a bedroom or living room.
How to decide
If your main issue is hot rooms, compare air-to-air systems and split AC. If you are replacing a boiler, the decision is broader and should include insulation, emitters, hot water, grants, and installer design quality.