With gas load-shedding getting worse every winter and LPG cylinders becoming expensive, many families in Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Multan are asking whether an inverter AC for heating is a smart choice. The short answer: a good heat-and-cool inverter AC can warm a room safely and often more cheaply than an electric heater, and without the carbon monoxide risk of a gas heater. This guide explains how it works, compares running costs, lists the main brands in Pakistan with approximate 2026 prices and shares settings that keep your electricity bill under control.
How an Inverter AC Heats a Room
A “heat and cool” (H&C) inverter AC is actually a heat pump. In summer it moves heat from inside your room to the outside. In winter it reverses the cycle: it pulls heat from the outdoor air, even when it feels cold, and releases it inside your room.
Because it moves heat instead of creating it, a heat pump can deliver roughly 2 to 4 units of heat for every unit of electricity it uses in mild winter weather. A simple electric rod or oil heater delivers only 1 unit of heat per unit of electricity. That is the main reason an inverter AC is cheaper to run than an electric heater.
Limits you should know
- Efficiency falls as outdoor temperature drops. In plains cities (Lahore, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan) winters are mild enough for good performance.
- In very cold areas such as Quetta, Murree or Gilgit, many ACs lose heating power below freezing and need a backup heater.
- The outdoor unit occasionally runs a short defrost cycle; warm air stops for a few minutes, which is normal.
- Only models labelled heat and cool can heat. “Cool only” inverter ACs cannot.
Inverter AC vs Gas Heater vs Electric Heater
Here is a rough hourly running-cost comparison for warming one medium bedroom. It assumes electricity at roughly Rs. 45 to 50 per unit including taxes and LPG at about Rs. 280 per kg (October 2026).
| Heating option | Approx. use per hour | Approx. cost per hour | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 ton inverter AC (heating) | 0.7 – 1.3 units | Rs. 35 – 65 | Safe, no fumes |
| Electric oil / rod heater (2,000 W) | about 2 units | Rs. 90 – 100 | Safe if used carefully |
| LPG gas heater | 0.2 – 0.3 kg | Rs. 55 – 85 | Needs ventilation; CO risk |
| Natural gas heater (Sui gas) | Depends on slab | Low when gas is available | Needs ventilation; CO risk |
These figures are estimates only. Your actual cost depends on room size, insulation, outdoor temperature, your electricity slab and gas tariff. Prices are approximate for October 2026 and change with the dollar rate; confirm with your dealer, DISCO bill and gas supplier.
If you have a cheap, reliable Sui gas connection, a gas heater may still cost less. But with low gas pressure, LPG prices and the safety risk of gas heaters in closed bedrooms, many families now use the inverter AC as the main heater.
Best Heat and Cool Inverter AC Brands in Pakistan
All major brands in Pakistan sell heat and cool inverter models. Prices below are approximate ranges for 1.5 ton models based on 2026 market listings.
| Brand | Known for | Approx. 1.5 ton H&C price |
|---|---|---|
| Gree | Strong heating, long reputation, wide service network | Rs. 160,000 – 200,000 |
| Haier | Value for money, many models, local manufacturing | Rs. 147,000 – 180,000 |
| Dawlance | Easy after-sales across cities | Rs. 155,000 – 190,000 |
| Orient | Budget-friendly heat and cool options | Rs. 140,000 – 175,000 |
| Kenwood | Energy-efficiency claims, eco modes | Rs. 150,000 – 185,000 |
| TCL | Newer models with smart features | Rs. 150,000 – 185,000 |
Prices are approximate for October 2026 and change with the dollar rate, season and promotions; confirm with the dealer or the brand’s official site. Off-season (October to February) often brings better deals.
What to Check Before Buying an Inverter AC for Heating
- Heat and cool label: confirm the exact model supports heating.
- Low-temperature heating range: check the minimum outdoor temperature in the specs, especially for colder cities.
- Right size: 1 ton for small rooms (around 120 sq ft), 1.5 ton for medium rooms (150 to 200 sq ft), 2 ton for large lounges.
- Low voltage operation: useful in areas with unstable voltage.
- Warranty: compressor warranty and the PCB/kit warranty matter most.
- Installation: use a trained installer; poor piping and gas leaks ruin efficiency.
- Wi-Fi control: handy for turning heating on before you reach home.
Best Settings for Low Bills in Winter
| Setting | Recommended | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | 22 – 24°C | Each extra degree increases consumption |
| Mode | Heat (not Auto) | Prevents switching between heating and cooling |
| Fan speed | Auto | Faster warm-up, then quiet steady running |
| Sleep / timer | On at night | Reduces output while you sleep |
| Doors and windows | Closed, curtains drawn | Stops warm air escaping |
- Clean the indoor filters every 2 to 3 weeks.
- Do not switch the AC on and off repeatedly; inverter units save most when they run steadily.
- Point the louvres downwards in heat mode, because warm air rises.
- Use a ceiling fan on the lowest speed (reverse if available) to push warm air down.
- Wear warm clothes indoors and set the thermostat a little lower.
Solar Panels and AC Heating
Solar helps with daytime heating, but most heating is needed at night and early morning, when panels produce nothing. Under NEPRA’s Prosumer Regulations 2026, new solar connections use net billing: units exported to the grid are bought at roughly the national average purchase price (around Rs. 11 per unit), while units you take from the grid cost roughly Rs. 44 to 50. So using your own solar power directly, through a hybrid inverter and possibly batteries, makes more sense than exporting it. Existing net-metering users keep their terms until their agreement ends.
A practical approach is to run the AC heating in the afternoon on solar to warm the house, then use a lower setting at night.
FAQs
Does inverter AC heating use a lot of electricity?
It uses less than an electric heater for the same warmth, because a heat pump moves heat rather than creating it. The exact bill depends on room size, temperature setting and hours of use.
Is inverter AC heating safe for children and elderly people?
Yes. There is no flame or gas, so there is no carbon monoxide risk. Keep the room ventilated sometimes, and use a humidifier or a bowl of water if the air feels dry.
Which is the best inverter AC for heating in Pakistan?
Gree, Haier, Dawlance, Orient, Kenwood and TCL all sell good heat and cool models. Pick based on after-sales service in your city, warranty and the model’s low-temperature rating.
Can I run an inverter AC heater on UPS?
A 1.5 ton AC usually needs a large hybrid inverter with batteries; a normal home UPS is not enough.
What temperature should I set in winter?
Around 22 to 24°C is comfortable for most people and keeps consumption reasonable.
An inverter AC for heating is a safe, efficient way to beat Pakistani winters if you choose the right model and use smart settings. Are you using your AC for heating this winter? Share your experience and bill tips in the comments.