Air conditioning vs. central gas heating: why heat pumps are a smart choice for HVAC companies

Central gas heating has been a trusted way to heat homes and commercial buildings in Europe for many years. But with modern air-to-air heat pumps, there are now more ways to heat individual rooms. These systems take heat from the outside air and bring it indoors using electricity.

More and more customers are interested in heating systems that are energy-efficient, use modern technology and are easy to install. This gives HVAC companies the opportunity to offer air conditioners with heat pump technology as an alternative to traditional gas heating.

Climate King supplies heating-focused air conditioning solutions to business customers and partners across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.

In this article, we compare air conditioners with central gas heating. We explain the benefits of heat pump technology and why HVAC professionals should add these systems to their range.

Air conditioning vs. central gas heating: how do both systems work?

Before we compare the two heating solutions, it helps to know how each system generates and distributes heat.

How does an air conditioner heat a room?

An air conditioner with heat pump technology takes heat from the outside air and releases it into the room through a refrigeration process. Even when it is cold outside, the air still contains heat that a heat pump can use. The compressor and other parts of the system run on electricity and move this heat indoors.

A heat pump can deliver more heat than the amount of electricity it uses. This is because the system moves heat rather than generating all of it from electricity. Modern inverter technology also allows the compressor to adjust its output to the heating demand. This means the system does not have to keep running at full power or switch off completely.

Air-to-air heat pumps distribute heat directly through the air in the room. This makes them especially suitable for individual rooms, offices, extensions, bedrooms and other spaces that need targeted heating.

How does central gas heating work?

A central gas heating system uses a boiler to burn natural gas and heat water. This hot water then flows through radiators or underfloor heating pipes to heat the whole building.

The boiler supplies heat to different rooms through a central pipe network. Depending on the type of boiler, the system can also provide hot water for the home.

Gas consumption depends on the size of the home, the insulation, the heating demand and the efficiency of the boiler. Some energy is also lost during the heating process, for example through flue gases and heat loss at the boiler.

Because the system uses natural gas to generate heat, it needs a continuous gas supply. The greater the heating demand, the higher the gas consumption and energy costs usually are.

Why are air conditioners with heat pump technology a better choice for heating?

In the right applications, air conditioners with heat pump technology offer several advantages over traditional gas heating. This makes them interesting for both homeowners and HVAC professionals.

1. More efficient energy use

One of the main advantages of a heat pump is the way it uses energy.

A boiler generates heat by burning gas. An air-to-air heat pump, on the other hand, takes existing heat from the outside air and brings it indoors. This allows the system to deliver more heat than the electricity it uses.

The European Commission describes heat pumps as a mature heating technology and states that they can be around three to five times more energy-efficient than gas boilers. Actual efficiency depends on the type of system, the outside temperature, the installation and the characteristics of the building.

As an air conditioning supplier in the Netherlands, we know how important energy savings are when advising customers about different heating options.

2. Heating without a central pipe network and radiators

A traditional central heating system distributes heat through hot-water radiators or underfloor heating. If a home does not yet have pipes, installing such a system can involve extra work.

An air-to-air heat pump works differently. The indoor unit blows the heated air directly into the room.

This makes this type of system suitable for, among others:

  • Bedrooms and living rooms
  • Home workspaces and office spaces
  • Extensions and additional rooms
  • Attics and converted lofts
  • Garden offices and other detached buildings
  • Homes where extending the existing pipe network is difficult

For HVAC installers, this creates opportunities to offer heating solutions on projects where a traditional central heating installation is less practical.

3. Inverter technology for even heating

Modern inverter technology is an important part of heat pump air conditioners.

Instead of only running at a fixed output, an inverter-controlled compressor adjusts its speed to the heating demand in the room. Once the desired temperature has almost been reached, the system can reduce its output and keep the temperature more even.

This makes the system easier to control and can help prevent unnecessary energy use compared with systems that keep running at full power.

When recommending a model, installers should look at the heating capacity, the energy labels and the performance at different outside temperatures. This data says more than a system’s stated capacity alone.

4. Heating at low outside temperatures

A common question is whether an air conditioner can still heat when the outside temperature drops below freezing.

That depends on the model.

Modern heat pumps are designed to take heat from the outside air even at low outside temperatures. However, the available heating capacity and efficiency can decrease as the outside temperature falls.

That is why installers should check the manufacturer’s technical specifications before recommending a system.

For example, our single-split models are suitable for heating at outside temperatures down to -20 °C. For the AirDeck Pro, the stated lower limit for heating mode is -5 °C.

These differences play an important role in choosing a suitable system for a particular home and the local climate. For some installations, a model that can work at lower temperatures is more suitable than a system with a more limited temperature range.

5. Heating control and modern features

Modern air conditioners have useful features that let users control the heating easily.

Depending on the model, the following features may be available:

  • Adjustable temperature
  • Remote control
  • Wi-Fi connection
  • Inverter-controlled heating
  • Different operating modes and fan settings

Wi-Fi control is especially useful for customers who want to adjust the temperature from a compatible smartphone or tablet.

For professional installers and resellers, these features offer extra benefits to discuss with customers when they compare different heating systems.

6. Lower heating costs: a practical comparison

One of the biggest advantages of air conditioners with heat pump technology is that they can lower heating costs. Let’s compare one of our split air conditioners, the CK-35, with a traditional gas boiler.

The CK-35 has a stated SCOP of 5.10. This means that under standard seasonal test conditions, the system can deliver about 5.1 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity it uses.

To keep the comparison simple, we look at how much energy is needed to deliver 1,000 kWh of usable heat.

Example based on Dutch energy prices (November 2026)

For this calculation, we use the following average energy prices for new contracts in the Netherlands:

  • Electricity: €0.337 per kWh
  • Natural gas: €1.864 per m³

We also assume a boiler efficiency of 90% and an average energy content of about 9.77 kWh per m³ of natural gas.

How much energy is needed to deliver 1,000 kWh of heat?

Climate King CK-35:

  • Electricity needed: 1,000 ÷ 5.10 = about 196 kWh.
  • Estimated electricity cost: 196 × €0.337 = €66.05.

Central gas boiler:

  • Gas needed: 1,000 ÷ (9.77 × 0.90) = about 114 m³.
  • Estimated gas cost: 114 × €1.864 = €212.50.
Heating system Energy needed Estimated energy cost
Climate King CK-35 196 kWh of electricity €66.05
Central gas boiler 114 m³ of natural gas €212.50

Based on these assumptions, the estimated variable energy cost of the CK-35 is about 69% lower for the same amount of usable heat.

For HVAC installers and resellers, this is a practical benefit to discuss with customers: the right air conditioner with heat pump technology can provide comfortable heating at significantly lower estimated running costs.

Why should HVAC installers and resellers offer heat pump air conditioners?

The development of heat pump technology creates new opportunities for companies in the HVAC sector. Customers are increasingly looking beyond traditional gas heating and asking about alternative ways to heat their home or commercial building.

By adding air conditioners with a heating function to their range, companies can respond better to these needs.

Responding to demand for alternative heating solutions

Many homeowners want to know whether they can reduce their dependence on gas. Heat pump air conditioners give installers an extra option to discuss, especially when customers want to heat certain rooms rather than the whole building.

Offering solutions for different installation situations

Not every home or building has the same layout or installation options. Some customers have suitable outside walls for a traditional split system, while others need a solution for a flat roof or dormer.

To meet these different needs, Climate King offers a range of advanced air conditioning systems with heat pump technology. This range includes the AirDeck Pro monoblock air conditioner for flat roofs and single-split wall models. This allows installers and business partners to choose a suitable system based on their customers’ wishes and the options the building offers, and to buy different solutions from one supplier.

With different types of heat pump air conditioners, installers can advise their customers on systems that suit the building and the available installation space.

Expanding the product range

A wider range allows resellers and installers to meet the wishes of a larger group of customers.

Instead of offering only traditional heating equipment, HVAC companies can expand their range with modern air-to-air heat pump air conditioners from Climate King. This also allows them to serve customers looking for efficient solutions for both cooling and heating, with energy-saving operation and modern controls.

Building long-term customer relationships

Air conditioners and heat pump systems require the right product choice, professional installation where needed and suitable maintenance to keep working reliably.

By offering Climate King’s modern air conditioning systems with heat pump technology, installers can help customers choose a system that matches their wishes and the options the building offers. They can also build long-term customer relationships by remaining available after the purchase for maintenance, service and technical support.

Which Climate King air conditioners are suitable for heating in winter?

Climate King offers various heating solutions for professional installers, resellers and business customers. The range consists of single-split air conditioners and the AirDeck Pro system for flat roofs.

Each product has its own installation requirements and heating specifications.

Climate King single-split air conditioners

Our CK-25, CK-35 and CK-50 are wall-mounted single-split air conditioners with inverter technology and Wi-Fi functionality. With heating capacities from 2.61 kW to 5.10 kW, they offer different options for a variety of heating needs. All three models are suitable for heating at outside temperatures down to -20 °C.

Climate King splitairco
Climate King AirDeck Pro voor platte daken

Climate King AirDeck Pro: heating for flat roofs and dormers

Our AirDeck Pro is a specialised monoblock heat pump for flat roofs, dormers and roof extensions. The system heats through a slim indoor panel and has a unit on the roof. It also has built-in Wi-Fi functionality.

With a nominal heating capacity of 3.4 kW and a lower limit of -5 °C for heating mode, it is a practical solution for homes where a traditional split system is not preferred.

Discover our range

Do you want to stay warm and cosy this winter? Discover our range of air conditioners with a heating function. Whether you are looking for a solution for your bedroom, living room or home office, there is always a model that suits your space. View our selection in the webshop and find the air conditioner that meets your wishes. This way, you can enjoy a pleasant temperature all year round.

Frequently asked questions

Can an air conditioner replace central gas heating?

An air conditioner with heat pump technology can replace gas heating for suitable rooms and applications. However, a standard air-to-air heat pump does not provide hot tap water and does not distribute heat through existing radiators. Whether the system can fully replace central gas heating depends on the building and the customer’s total heating demand.

Is heating with an air conditioner energy-efficient?

Air conditioners with heat pump technology take heat from the outside air. This means they do not generate all the heat themselves through electrical resistance or by burning fuel. As a result, they can deliver more heat than the electricity they use. Actual efficiency depends on the model, the outside temperature, the installation and the conditions in the building.

Can an air conditioner heat a room when it is freezing outside?

Yes. Many modern air conditioners with heat pump technology can also heat at temperatures below freezing. However, the available heating capacity and efficiency vary by model. Always check the stated temperature range and the manufacturer’s performance data.

Which Climate King air conditioner is suitable for heating in winter?

Climate King offers the single-split models CK-25, CK-35 and CK-50. These models are suitable for heating at outside temperatures down to -20 °C. The AirDeck Pro is another option for suitable applications on flat roofs and dormers. This model has a stated lower limit of -5 °C for heating mode. The right choice depends on the building, the heating demand and the installation requirements.

Why should HVAC installers offer air conditioners with heat pump technology?

Air conditioners with heat pump technology give installers an extra heating solution for customers looking for an alternative to traditional gas heating. They are especially suitable for targeted heating of individual rooms, buildings without a suitable central heating network and projects where a traditional heating installation is not preferred.

Become a Climate King business partner

Are you an HVAC installer, wholesaler or reseller looking for a reliable supplier of heating solutions? Join the Climate King partner network and expand your range with our air conditioners with heat pump technology.