Is it possible, at what temperature and why not to turn on the air conditioner in winter? Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter at sub-zero temperatures outside.

The heating function is becoming an increasingly demanded complete set of household climate equipment. Relevance is associated with periods of the off-season, when central heating not yet disabled. But the question is also often asked: is it possible to turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter? Manufacturers of climate equipment produce special "winter kits" for air conditioners, some models are equipped with built-in heating systems at low air temperatures. Let us consider in more detail whether it is possible to use a split system as an additional heating device in winter.

main function

The main initial function of household climate control equipment is to cool the interior of an apartment or room. That is why the purchase of air conditioners has become a mass phenomenon before the start of the summer season. How does the air cooling process take place?

The split system is equipped with a cooling circuit made of copper pipes. Freon circulates inside. Features are such that when evaporating, it is able to cool the air. The indoor unit of the climate device has a heat exchanger through which freon, evaporating, gives off cold. A nearby fan supplies room air to the evaporator, drives through it, giving out a cooled stream.

Further, the heated freon moves to the external unit, inside which it is converted, gets rid of the accumulated heat and, ready to cool, returns to the evaporator again. Thus, the main cooling function of the air conditioner is realized.

Cooling mode

The instruction for cooling household equipment indicates the temperature range where the equipment operates with maximum productive capacity and efficiency. For the cooling mode, the lower limit is -5⁰ C, for some units - up to -25⁰ C. If the temperature changes below the above level, the equipment cannot be turned on.

Inside the cooling circuit, in addition to freon, oil circulates, which lubricates the compressor parts. outdoor unit. Its presence is essential for effective work climate devices. A decrease in temperature indicators contributes to the thickening of the oil. The compressor starts to work hard, wear out, can quickly break down.

Another point - the sub-zero temperature freezes the liquid discharged by the drainage system. This will gradually cause condensate to overflow from the indoor unit.

It should be remembered that during heat transfer outdoor unit in winter it will inevitably be covered with ice, which will reduce its efficiency and increase energy costs.

The -5⁰ С (or -25⁰ С) indicated by the manufacturer indicate that the device can work up to this limit specifically for cooling, but not for heating. Actively sold "winter kits", heating elements of equipment, are designed specifically to ensure the efficient operation of the air conditioner for cooling while reducing outdoor temperature. The heating device does not work.

Winter set

It is a combination of several devices:

• Drainage heater. It heats communications so that the discharged liquid can freely pass through the nozzles.
• A device that heats the compressor crankcase of an outdoor unit. It helps to warm up the inactive compressor, so the latter starts up already warm, the oil is liquid, the freon is cooled.
• A device that reduces the fan speed to normalize the efficiency of the device (refers to the cooling function, heating, the fan must rotate faster than usual).

Installing the kit on a unit with a heating option will not help the air conditioner function properly in winter. Such equipment will only be correct in case of cooling operation.

Equipment modifications equipped by manufacturers with a winter kit and an anti-icing program are also ineffective in winter, despite the indicated temperature ranges. In cold weather, a small part will work. Models of a semi-industrial type are capable of heating.

Heating mode

This feature has been added recently. It is convenient when it gets cold inside the apartment before or after the operation of the central heating. Off-season periods are associated with a lack of heat. Heating electrical equipment is energy-consuming household appliances, and therefore not economically profitable. Against its background, an air conditioner with a heating function looks more attractive. How is air heated?

It should be understood that any split device is non-heating equipment, as it is not equipped with a heating element. With parameters allowed by the manufacturer environment the heating function is realized by the reverse movement of freon.

Installed inside an external module four way valve allows the refrigerant to circulate back. The evaporator and condenser are interchangeable. Now the heat exchanger of the indoor unit receives the heat of freon, cooling it. The fan blows air through the newly formed condenser, warming up the flow.

Freon enters the outdoor module cooled. There he absorbs the heat of the surrounding air, returns back inside the room.

That is, there is no heating of the air, only the transfer of heat from one place to another. Such a scheme is effective when the ambient temperature is positive. If the minus outside the window stops working, because the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit is not enough for the freon to drop the cold, the module turns out to be small for this.

There are air conditioners that can effectively heat the room in winter. But they are closer to semi-industrial ones, they are equipped with an enlarged external heat exchanger, which helps to warm up the freon.

Air conditioners for winter

Climate equipment capable of operating in winter:

• Daikin CTXG-J/MXS-E
• Toshiba Daisekai SKVR
• Hitachi PREMIUM, ECO
• Panasonic HE-MKD
• Mitsubishi Electric DELUXE, PKA-PR

The devices are equipped with an air heating system in the apartment in winter. Their cost is higher compared to standard split systems. The terms of use must be carefully studied by reading the instructions, technical data sheet.

Climate equipment, even equipped with a heating option, is strongly recommended to be turned off before frost. This will prevent compressor wear and tear. Up to certain low temperatures, the device is able to effectively cool. Modern split units are programmed to automatically turn off when heating is started at sub-zero ambient temperatures.

The exception is single models designed by the manufacturer for winter operation. They are equipped with an enlarged heat exchanger, programs for efficient space heating, anti-icing.

In other cases, you should prepare the split system for wintering by draining indoor unit two-hour ventilation, external - protect with a canopy or cover from snow, ice.

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It is traditionally believed that heating a room with an air conditioner in winter is the lot of warm countries, where minimum temperature January -5C. The opinion “you can’t turn on the air conditioner in winter” is spread by the sellers and installers themselves, because the manufacturers’ catalogs really indicate the minimum temperature for the air conditioner in winter to -5C. But how objective is it?

Can the air conditioner be turned on in winter?

Up to the minimum temperatures specified in the manufacturer's documentation - of course you can. After all, it’s not just that manufacturers add the ability to operate the air conditioner for heating in winter, the so-called. heat pump function.

What air conditioners can be turned on in winter?

Any, but up to the temperature indicated in the passport, usually -5C. If you want to turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter at more than low temperatures- the air conditioner will need to be modified to work in winter, the so-called winter package for the air conditioner.

At what temperature can the air conditioner be operated in winter?

At outdoor temperatures above -5C, additional preparation of any air conditioner for winter is not required. For most inverter split systems, the lower threshold for the operation of an air conditioner for heating in winter is usually -15C.

Does a semi-industrial air conditioner work in winter at 30?

Semi-industrial models are also split systems, which differ in the type of indoor unit, improved compressor, increased heat exchanger area and additional protective functions. Therefore, they more easily endure extreme winter loads and lose less performance at low temperatures, compared to household series. The only thing that can interfere with the operation of a semi-industrial air conditioner in winter for heating is the built-in electronic protection outside temperature on some models. In each case, you need to look at the documentation for this block.

Can I heat with air conditioning in winter?

Yes, almost all modern models have such an opportunity. The air conditioner in heating mode in winter works as an air heat pump, i.e. reverse air conditioner. The outdoor unit "takes heat" from the outdoor air and releases it into the room. But the lower the outdoor temperature, the lower the efficiency (after all, there is less heat in the outdoor air). Even an inverter air conditioner in winter produces efficiency > 1 only up to temperatures of -15C / -17C. At lower outdoor temperatures, it can work, but the efficiency will be comparable to a conventional heating element.

Air conditioners with heating in winter up to 25

Special series of winter split systems are produced with a factory low-temperature kit, for example, a series of Japanese manufacturer Fujitsu General. Developed for Scandinavia, it nominally gives efficiency> 2 to -25C. But such winter split systems are more expensive than conventional inverters.

Up to what temperature can the air conditioner be turned on in winter?

If the outdoor unit is installed outdoors, but modified with a "winter air conditioner package", then it can be turned on up to -30C, although the system efficiency at temperatures below -15C will not be higher than 1:2 (depending on the model).

In order to use the air conditioner for heating in winter at any outdoor temperature, the outdoor unit can use the heat lost by the building through the building envelope or exhaust ventilation.

Heating with air conditioning in winter the pros and cons

It is possible to use air conditioning in the apartment in winter, but if there is central heating, it is hardly advisable. In apartments, air conditioning is usually turned on for heating only in the off-season, when the temperature outside is close to zero, and the central heating is not turned on yet.

Another thing - private house. At the right project and installation, the air conditioner can become the main source of heating at home.

Benefits of using an air conditioner in winter for heating:

1) Energy saving. The average energy efficiency ratio for the heating season is 1:3. This means that the air conditioner will consume three times less electricity compared to heating with heating elements or electric boiler. For energy-deficient areas, this can become critical.

2) Safe coolant. A power outage in a house with an electric boiler will lead to defrosting of pipes and an expensive repair of the heating system.

3) Fire safety. The freon of air conditioners is non-flammable, and even if the pipes are depressurized, the house will not suffer.

4) Remote control. All modern Japanese air conditioners support the ability to control via the Internet (using additional devices), as well as maintaining a temperature of +10 to save electricity when heating country houses.

5) Air conditioning in summer. Without additional costs in the summer you also get a cooling system at home.

Of the minuses, only one can be named - the price, compared with simple gas boilers.
But if there is no gas in the village and there are limits on electricity, then there is no alternative to air conditioning for heating in winter.

Heating with air conditioning in winter personal experience

The well-known freelance journalist Viktor Borisov has been blogging about building a house with his own hands for several years.

As the only heating system, he chose channel inverter. In his blog, he shares in detail his experience of operating an air conditioner for heating in winter for four years (http://victorborisov.livejournal.com/281859.html).

Particularly deliver some comments "experts in air conditioning." As often happens in life, people are not interested in facts that contradict their picture of the world.

AT summer period install air conditioners in apartments to escape the heat. In winter, many people think about how to warm up the room so as not to freeze. Someone purchases heating appliances, and someone believes that the air conditioner turned on for heating will save him. It is worth knowing at what temperature you can turn on the air conditioner for heating.

You can turn on the air conditioner for heating only at a certain temperature

The main purpose of the device

The main function of the air conditioner is to cool the air temperature in the room during the hot season, so many people go to the store household appliances before the start of the summer season. Split systems are equipped with copper cooling pipes that use freon. The indoor module has a heat exchanger through which it evaporates and releases cold air into the room. Near it is a propeller that drives it back and forth.

Then the heated freon enters the outdoor unit and begins to transform inside it, that is, it gives off heat and starts to evaporate again and give cold, so almost all split systems have 1 mode - “cooling”.

Summer work

Any air conditioner with a cooling mode does not have a heating element. Inside the outdoor module there is a valve that helps the refrigerant rotate. The evaporator and condensate change places, and the heat exchanger of the indoor module receives the heat of the freon and cools it. The propeller drives air through the condenser and warms up the air flow. Freon enters the outdoor unit already cold. There he takes heat from the room and gives cold.

The air conditioner does not heat the air inside, but simply drives it. Such a plan is effective when the temperature is positive outside. If the outdoor temperature is below 0 ° C, the air conditioner may not be able to cope with the task, so it is better to purchase a more powerful model. It will heat the room even in severe frosts.

How the air conditioner works

Winter work

The heating mode in air conditioners appeared quite recently, therefore, they are gaining fame only now. The climate of the country does not always please with warmth, and in between heating season and in the summer it is sometimes quite cold indoors.

The instructions for each air conditioner indicate the maximum temperature at which the device can be used. For many devices, the lower limit is 0 C, and for some it reaches -25 C. It is impossible to turn on the temperature below the specified indicator on your own.

There is oil inside the circuit, which, during the operation of the device, lubricates the parts of the compressor and the outdoor unit. It must always be in abundance so that the device can work well. When the temperature outside gradually drops, the oil begins to thicken. Because of this, the compressor turns on with all its might, so it wears out, and then completely breaks down.

When it is very cold outside, the liquid that should flow into the drain freezes. Because of this, after a while, the condensate in the indoor unit also freezes.

It is worth knowing that when heat is supplied to winter period the outdoor unit is completely covered with ice, and this reduces the risk of breakage and increases energy costs.

Therefore, if the instructions indicate at what temperature the device can be turned on, and at what temperature it is forbidden, then it is better not to risk it. If the air conditioner has 1 operating mode (for cooling), then it cannot be used in winter. Such a device is allowed to heat the room in autumn and spring, until the temperature outside drops to 0 ° C.

If the air conditioner has 2 modes (for cooling and heating), then it can be used in winter, but always at the temperature indicated in the instructions. You can also convert the split system from mode 1 to mode 2 using special parts that are sold separately in the kit.

Parts for working in winter

A set of parts for heating a room in winter consists of the following:

• additional details that reduce the number of fan rotations - this prevents the formation of ice on its propeller;
• another block for heat - it increases the heating temperature of the oil in the freon, the on-time increases, and the chances of a breakdown decrease;
• gutter heating - condensate does not turn into a solid state, and this does not affect its progress and the drainage part.

It is necessary to install a set of parts only on a device in which mode 1 is “cooling”.

Devices with winter mode

It should be understood that installing additional winter parts is not always possible successfully. Further operation of the device depends on the parts themselves, the dimensions of the air conditioner and the installation method, so it is better to immediately purchase an air conditioner that will work in winter for heating and in summer for cooling. There are 2 types of air conditioners that work well in winter.

1. Cooper&Hunter CH-S09FTXLA Arctic Inverter – suitable option in order to heat a room, 25 sq. m. The average engine power is 2.8 kW. Tolerates outdoor temperatures down to -25°C. The device includes a smart part that checks all parameters before starting the engine. The minimum cost of this air conditioner model is 33,800 rubles.
2. GREE GWH12KF-K3DNA5G - this model works well with optimal temperature up to -18°С. A room with dimensions of 35 sq. m. can be fully heated. The device consists of an electrostatic filter and a smooth start. Anti-freeze protection of the outdoor unit is provided, which consists of particles of crankcase heating and a drain. The starting price of such a device is 32,000 rubles.

The GREE GWH12KF-K3DNA5G air conditioner operates at temperatures up to -18 C

Possible breakdowns

Each user should know that it is necessary to use a split system for heating according to the instructions. The main causes of frequent breakdowns are improper use of the device and non-compliance with temperature regime. Often there are situations when, after pressing the necessary buttons and selecting the desired mode, heat does not flow. There can be many reasons for this and they must be checked. Such phenomena are not uncommon:

• the batteries in the remote control do not work;
• the sensor does not respond well to the device;
• there are violations in the work of the software supply;
• severe damage to the air conditioner.

The most common cause of a device failure is a battery failure in the remote control, so many believe that they slipped a defect. Solving the problem is very simple, just change them to new ones and start the device again.

If the problem lies in the malfunction of the sensor, then in this case it will not be possible to solve it on your own. It is best to return the device under warranty or call the wizard. If the warranty for the air conditioner is still valid, then the air conditioner must be replaced with a new one or the sensor equipment should be replaced.

Software crashes are not uncommon. They always show up differently. The system may freeze, the air conditioner will reboot on its own, turn on and off.

All this makes it clear that there are problems that urgently need to be solved until the device is completely broken. Therefore, it is better not to try to repair the device yourself, but to contact a service center.

When the equipment completely stops working, if it was used for other purposes or was often rebooted, with such problems repairs will be expensive, and it is better to think about buying a new air conditioner.

Conclusion

Not all air conditioners have the function of heating the room, so it is undesirable to turn on the system for heating in severe frosts. With a split system with 1 mode, it is possible to warm up the apartment, but only when the temperature is positive outside. You can purchase a special kit of parts and switch the device to 2 modes or buy an air conditioner that will be equipped with everything you need. It is worth noting that the cost of winter and summer air conditioners can differ significantly from each other.

The principle of operation of the air conditioner is to transfer heat energy from one space to another. The operation of the heat pump is limited in scope. If the passport states that the air conditioner works for cooling and heating, then its actions are limited to an outside temperature of -5 0 C. However, there are devices that operate at -15 and -25 0. So is it possible to turn on air conditioners for heating, which ones can work in winter?

The operating instructions say that with a reverse circuit, the air conditioner can operate up to -5 0, and in heating mode only up to 0 0 C. Experts believe that The best way keep the device working long years, its conservation in the event of negative outside temperatures in winter.

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter only for cooling? The evaporation of the refrigerant in the outdoor unit already lowers the temperature by 5-14 degrees. Even at positive outside degrees, the temperature in the evaporator is negative. The body is overgrown with an ice coat, heat exchange with external environment is disturbed, inside the evaporation temperature decreases, and not all the refrigerant becomes a gas. The gas-liquid medium, getting into the compressor, creates conditions for water hammer. A liquid plug will rupture the tubes or damage the compressor.

Using the air conditioner in winter and without an accident will create several problems:

• cold performance will be significantly reduced;
• if the heat exchanger is iced up, water gets on the fan blades and is delivered with the air flow to the room;
• the discharge temperature rises, causing failure of the four-way valve
• the drain pipe will become clogged with ice.

Air conditioning in winter can be turned on to how many degrees?

There are many reasons why an air conditioner for cooling should work at sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, there are ways to avoid an accident and make the device work in winter. Experts advise using several techniques that reduce the load on the compressor and prevent freezing.

It is necessary to reduce the fan speed by installing a condensing pressure regulator. This will decrease performance. By reducing the heat removal from the air flow, we reduce the freezing of the evaporator. The task of the electronic module:

• adjust the fan speed;
• maintaining normal freon pressure;
• prevent freezing of the indoor unit.

It is necessary to heat the compressor crater so that the liquid accumulated during idle periods does not boil during start-up and does not create a water hammer. A slight rise in temperature will make the oil in the friction units less viscous, making it easier to start. We note right away that inverter compressors that operate continuously are devoid of this problem. Therefore, the manufacturer allows their operation for cooling up to -15 0 .

Condensate drain pipes can freeze at a slight minus. In this case, the liquid will begin to come out into the room. You can prevent the problem by installing a low-power heater inside the drainage system.

All these additions are a winter kit and are sold for the operation of the air conditioner in the winter in cooling mode. AT modern models often seasonal equipment is already provided. Up to what temperature can the device be turned on? The best climate systems equipped with an inverter compressor can operate up to -30 0 С.

The principle of operation of the air conditioner in winter for heating

The air conditioner is a heat pump. Therefore, with a decrease in outside air, its performance decreases, despite the restructuring of the regime. The lower limit of the air conditioner for heat is 5 0 C. In winter, the icing of the heat exchanger causes jamming of the fan blades, breakdown of the electric motor.

However, air conditioners are constantly being improved. Thus, Mitsubishi has created a special series of Zubadan units, which can be turned on for heating in winter even at -25 0 . The units use special compressors with two fittings, two-stage pressure increase. Air conditioners are used for heating and hot water supply in winter in Japan and northern European countries.

But all this applies to split systems with an outdoor unit. And what prevents you from turning on the single-unit air conditioner located in the room for heating? At the same time, the heater is activated in the installation, and the heat pump stops. The work of a single-block room air conditioner for heating in winter is incorporated in the design.

What air conditioners can be turned on in winter

If the air conditioner has a heating function, it has a two-circuit freon circulation scheme, a four-way valve must be used. Such devices are more expensive than those that have one cooling mode. The operating instructions for the air conditioner contain the limiting temperatures of the outdoor air in winter for the operating unit. The difference lies in the use of inverter or conventional compressors, the type of refrigerant and the consistency of the lubricant.

If you need to switch on for cooling, you can use air conditioners with a special kit. So in winter they can withstand up to -25 0 C, working for cooling. But this applies to inverter devices.

There are special requirements for the operation of air conditioners in a car. It is believed that prolonged inactivity of this node contributes to its premature failure. Turning on the air conditioner in winter, at least once a week - necessary procedure. This ensures lubrication of the internal parts. When idle, thin film flows down, leaving rubbing surfaces defenseless at startup.

Inside the cabin, the air condenses, creating frost on the windows and trim. When you turn on the air conditioner in a closed space, it dries the air, removes frost from the windows. You can turn it on for heating in the car in winter. This happens at the same time, as soon as you press the button for heating the side mirrors. The air temperature at the outlet of the air conditioner + (10-12) 0 is sufficient to make the cold interior warm and dry in winter.

AT winter time the car air conditioner is harder to start. For a year, 10% of freon disappears from the system. In summer, the lack of coolant is not noticed, in winter there is not enough pressure to start. How to use it in winter? You need to heat the interior or turn on the air conditioner in a warm garage.

Is it possible to use an ordinary air conditioner for heating in winter

For winter heating, you can use a floor single-block air conditioner. Despite the fact that when the heating mode is turned on, the built-in heating element works, hot air evenly heats the entire area. Is it efficient in heating? Normal oil radiator more voracious, creates a small center of comfort, the temperature is not regulated.

Is air conditioning necessary in winter? There are jobs, especially in electronic circuits, where excess moisture may condense on the insulation, causing a short circuit. Excessive humidity is harmful, as well as dryness in the apartment. This is no less true in winter than in summer.

Is it possible to turn on a two-block air conditioner in an apartment or office in winter? In cooling mode at an outside temperature of -5 0, you can turn on an unprepared device operating in summer mode. At lower temperatures down to -15 0, the inverter air conditioner can withstand, if it is written in the instructions. In winter, you can only turn on the air conditioner in the winter kit.

Gradually, split systems become more complicated, air conditioners are improved, and the time is not far off when boring bulky radiators in winter will replace a wall or ceiling air conditioner for heating an apartment.

Video

We offer to see what the transition scheme from cooling to heating in an air conditioner represents.

Air conditioning in winter

Winter is approaching by leaps and bounds. It is felt not only on the street, but also in our own apartments: unfortunately, the heating system often leaves much to be desired, and you have to heat the house on your own. There is another situation: sometimes the batteries heat up too actively, and it is simply necessary to cool the air in the room. In this regard, many people have a question: is it possible to use air conditioning in winter? We answer - it is possible. But with some conditions.

There is a wide range of air conditioners on the market with different specifications so it's not very easy. But something still unites split systems, monoblocks and other devices: in winter they are used extremely rarely. But why?

The point is our famous Russian frosts. When the air temperature changes, its humidity also changes - therefore, excess moisture (condensation) occurs during the operation of the air conditioner. Most air conditioners have a drainage system installed to remove moisture: the visible part of this system is a tube that usually goes outside. If it is too cold outside, the drainage pipe freezes and an ice plug forms in it, which prevents condensate from escaping. Then the moisture has two options: either it seeps into your house through the inner case, or disables the device.

The outdoor unit also suffers from the cold, in particular the compressor - the "heart" of the air conditioner, which compresses the refrigerant (a special substance necessary for the operation of air conditioners) and supports its movement through the rest of the device. It helps him to fulfill his direct duties special oil, the properties of which just depend on the air temperature. If it falls below the limit approved by the manufacturer, the oil will thicken and the compressor parts will wear out.

There is another danger. In heating mode, the refrigerant, despite its name, must not be cooled, but heated. This does not happen at extremely low temperatures. Upon receipt of chilled, i.e. liquid, refrigerant in the compressor, a water hammer occurs - it is this that can render the device unusable.

So In winter, use the air conditioner with care and follow the operating instructions.

True, there is one type of air conditioner that can be adapted to work in winter conditions, is a mobile monobloc air conditioner. This mobile floor device can be used in all rooms, taken with you to the country house or transported when moving: the device does not require installation. The only element of the device that should not be in the room is the duct for the removal of warm or cold air. To eliminate the risk of freezing of the air duct, it is worth bringing it into the vent.

In general, the operation of an air conditioner is based on only one principle familiar to us from physics lessons: heat is absorbed during evaporation, and released during condensation.

Initially, the device was intended for cooling, but modern technologies have stepped far ahead, so now heating is the most common function for climate technology. To understand how an air conditioner works for heating, let's first look at how it works for cooling:

1. The gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor.
2. In the compressor, the refrigerant is compressed under pressure and heated to a very high temperature.
3. From the compressor, the refrigerant enters the condenser, where the refrigerant passes into a liquid state.
4. Further, the pressure of the refrigerant decreases, and it enters the evaporator of the indoor unit of the air conditioner, where it again passes from liquid state into gas. The refrigerant boils up, it “takes” heat from the room, goes back to the outdoor unit and “throws” the taken heat out into the street.
5. The gaseous refrigerant enters the compressor again and the cycle is completed.

You can use the heating mode special valve- it reverses the flow of refrigerant and, as it were, swaps the condenser and evaporator. Otherwise, the principle is the same.

Before using the heating mode, make sure that the appliance has this function. This is indicated in the instructions, as well as on the device itself - the heating mode is usually indicated by the sun icon.

If a heating mode is provided, look at the lower temperature threshold at which heating can be turned on - usually this is also written in the instructions.

Remember: each thermometer can have an error. Sometimes it reaches several degrees. Therefore, it is better not to use the air conditioner if your thermometer shows a critical mark declared by the manufacturer.

Up to what temperature do air conditioners work for heating

As a rule, air conditioners work properly in heating mode when the air temperature is above -5°C. At lower temperatures, firstly, the heating power drops significantly, and secondly, there is a risk of icing on the condenser or the drainage system of the device. So we do not recommend turning on the heating mode during severe frosts, otherwise, due to improper operation, you risk losing your climate “friend”.

However, some models of split systems heat the air at both -10°C and -15°C. The lower temperature limit depends on the type of refrigerant. Inverter models also work at -15 ° C - they have the function of adjusting the intensity of the compressor, which allows it to be more flexible in relation to outdoor temperatures. Of course, the price of an inverter air conditioner is much higher than a conventional one.

The most simple reason, for which heating does not work - the client bought the device without understanding its capabilities. For example, split systems without a heating mode are very popular in latitudes with a warm climate. Therefore, be attentive to all the little things when buying climate equipment.

Does your favorite appliance not heat up in cold weather? No wonder. We have already written about the possible dangers of operating an air conditioner in the cold: the problem may be related to a compressor failure, oil, and a drainage system. The wizard will help to understand the problem in detail.

If heating does not occur, do not rush to sound the alarm. Especially when the display shows that the device is working properly. Perhaps the indoor unit just warms up for a long time - this is normal in cold weather. The room temperature may start to rise within 15 minutes after the unit is started.

Another common problem is refrigerant leakage. A leak occurs, for example, due to poor-quality soldering of the inter-unit pipes through which the refrigerant circulates. In this case, a refrigerant charge will be required, which is carried out by the after-sales service.

Even if you know, do not forget that after installation you need to properly care for it. If you do not have time to clean the filters in a timely manner, then damage cannot be avoided.

A small display screen will help pinpoint the problem. In modern models, it usually displays an error code. The meaning of each code is displayed in the instructions.

If you cannot determine the cause of the breakdown or are not sure that you can fix it yourself, you should call the master.

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter for cooling

The answer will be the same as the answer to the question about heating - you can. But only if the winter is warm.

Generally, the minimum temperature at which the air conditioner operates normally in cooling mode is -5°C. At a lower temperature, the device is subject to all the dangers that we wrote about at the beginning of the article. Therefore, carefully study the technical specifications of the device before using the cooling mode.

In order not to be distracted by the operation of the air conditioner, you can set: with it, the device will turn on and off automatically according to the schedule that you make.

Nevertheless, you always have the opportunity to “strengthen” the air conditioner by installing a winter kit.

Winter kit for air conditioning

Sometimes the air conditioner is equipped with the so-called winter kit. The set includes several devices. They warm up drainage system, prevent thickening of the oil and hypothermia of the refrigerant.

The principles of operation of the winter kit are as follows:

• The temperature sensor regulates the fan speed of the outdoor unit. When the temperature gets lower, the speed slows down. This prevents freezing (and thickening) of the oil and the formation of ice in the housing.
• A significant part of the load of the compressor falls on its start. And if the compressor is also frozen, the air conditioner is definitely not good enough. Therefore, the winter kit provides heating of the compressor crankcase. So the compressor is always ready to start.
• In order to avoid ice plugs, and the condensate is removed without problems, the drainage system is heated.

It would seem that all the problems have been solved, and the dangers have been overcome, if not for one thing. Indeed, the winter kit allows you to turn on the air conditioner at lower temperatures than stated by the manufacturer, but only in cooling mode!

If you turn on the air conditioner with winter set in heating mode, the unit will still not be able to work properly. Moreover, the risk of water hammer increases significantly.