Air/air heat pumps for heating and air-con

[Mikew]

After the heat of last summer we decided to investigate air cooling for at least a bedroom and the lounge. A local firm called to provide ideas came up with a whole house solution. A 3 KW input box outside, heat exchanger in the loft and ducts to all main rooms. Reversible to heat in winter. Expensive, but think of the 50% credit-impots that are available. I, being of naturally suspicious nature regarding salesmen and their quoted savings, have been trawling this site and the web.

Is there anyone with experience of such systems willing to share experiences? Running costs, efficiency, usefulness, payback ......savings even.

Our normal heat is fioul, 2000L/Yr, 8 year old house in 16, 30 cm fluffy insulation in loft, brique walls, 1cm double glazing.

My initial thoughts were for separate two part installations  one each in our bedroom and lounge, switched on as needed.