“You can also use air conditioning in winter, but subject to a number of restrictions.

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?

The reasons why the cooling air conditioner should work when sub-zero temperatures lots of. 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;
• frost prevention 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. In modern models, seasonal equipment is often 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 that have 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 double-circuit freon circulation scheme, be sure to use four way valve. 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.

IN 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? A conventional oil cooler is more voracious, creates a small comfort center, 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 outdoor temperature-5 0 you can turn on an unprepared device operating in summer mode. With more low temperatures up to -15 0 withstands an inverter air conditioner, 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

Many residents big cities In our cold country, there is a strong opinion that air conditioners are used only during the hot summer heat in order to keep indoors pleasantly cool. However, it is not. Modern climate equipment can and should be used also in winter, while observing some precautions.

Requirements that must be met during the operation of air conditioners in winter:

1. Compliance with the operating temperature range specified by the manufacturer.

Initially, air conditioners were designed to cool and purify indoor air at positive outside air temperatures. Any climate technology can only function successfully within a strictly defined range of outdoor temperatures. Violation of this restriction leads to the fact that the equipment fails, and the service life of the air conditioner is reduced, which negatively affects the image and reputation of the manufacturer. In addition, all operating functions of the air conditioner and technical specifications, guaranteed by the issuing company, are active only within the extreme values ​​of the temperature range.

Therefore, before turning on the climatic device, it is necessary to carefully study the rules for operating the equipment. Almost all models of air conditioners produced by well-known world brands support heating mode at sub-zero outdoor temperatures.

A significant part of the models currently sold work stably and efficiently in the range from -5 degrees C to + 25 C. If we take the MDV split system, then this device can provide space heating if it is not colder than -8 degrees Celsius outside. Mini format MDV VRF systems support this feature down to -15 degrees below zero. Many modern models they can function stably even up to -10 C ... - 20 C due to the installation of drainage heating systems, oil in the compressor.

At lower temperatures in winter, technical problems arise: the condensate freezes outside, when the compressor air conditioner is started, the oil boils, and the condensation pressure decreases. The outdoor unit of the device and the drain tube are covered with an ice shell. Thus, heat exchange processes are disturbed, the efficiency of heating the room is reduced.

Important! Therefore, it should be remembered: most manufacturers of air conditioners at sub-zero temperatures do not recommend using climate equipment in the “heating” mode!

If you still need to urgently heat the room, then specialized appliances, for example, infrared heater or heat gun handle it much more effectively.

2. Use of specially adapted equipment.

It often happens that constant uninterrupted cooling of the room is required even at minus air temperatures outside. This is relevant for businesses such as stations mobile operators communications, robotic complexes and telecommunications companies. In this case, the best solution would be to install specially adapted equipment on the air conditioner or split system. Servicing of such complex systems should be carried out at least four times a year.

It includes:

• drainage heater, which is designed to drain condensed liquid from the air conditioner, preventing it from freezing;
• compressor crankcase heater, which maintains the set oil temperature, thereby eliminating the possibility of water hammer due to boiling of the refrigerant;
• a fan speed retarder that prevents freezing of the indoor unit of the air conditioner by controlling the desired condensing temperature.

The winter upgrade kit ensures the operation of the split system in cooling mode down to -15C, and in calm weather even down to -20 degrees. The range can be extended if necessary, but this decision is quite expensive and in most cases unjustified economically.

Important! Adapted winter equipment should only be installed through an authorized service center, in this case, you can prevent the cancellation of the manufacturer's warranty.

Timely preventive maintenance.

IN summer months air conditioners are the most popular type household appliances. A period of hard work should be preceded by mandatory preventive measures.

They include the following operations:

By performing these procedures in a timely manner, it is possible to ensure the operation of the air conditioning device during the service life specified by the manufacturer.

What air conditioners can be turned on in winter

In the cold season, regular ventilation is the key to good health and disease resistance.

Regular inflow fresh air can be provided by opening the window, transom or window sash for 10-15 minutes. However, together with atmospheric air, soot from exhaust gases, smoke from factory chimneys, pollen and endless city noise penetrate into the apartment. The issue can be radically resolved by purchasing a heating device - an inverter air conditioner.

inverter air conditioners- this is an optimal climate technology that effectively works for heating at low temperatures. Inverter devices are more durable, since their service life can reach 14 years. This type of air conditioning units immediately gives 100% power, and when the room cools down to the required temperature, it operates in support mode, allowing you to maintain a comfortable microclimate.

Inverter systems minimize the load on the compressor, which is a key element of the entire apparatus, because there are no sudden starts. As a result, such an air conditioner is most effective. Also, a significant advantage in practical operation is the low noise level.

The principle of their operation repeats the algorithm of the heat pump. This device is capable of generating heat from the cold air of the atmosphere. This happens in the process of liquid condensation, which is accompanied by the release of heat. Created high pressure causes the refrigerant to condense in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit of the device, while the device heats up significantly, the temperature reaches approximately 70 degrees Celsius. Reacting to a sharp drop in pressure, freon evaporates, accumulating heat from the air outside.

How economically feasible is it to use inverter-type air conditioning systems for space heating? This is best shown by the ratio of the electricity consumed by the air conditioner and the thermal energy allocated to it - for inverter devices it reaches 400%. Undoubtedly, this effect is much more beneficial than using any heating device for heat transfer.

A high-quality air conditioner can be adjusted to individual needs by adding functions such as dehumidification, filtration of gaseous impurities, and others. These split systems will provide a comfortable microclimate in both residential and industrial premises.

Proper operation of the air conditioner in winter

Careful and in accordance with the instructions, the use of a split system, wall-mounted air conditioner or mobile climate control device is the key to its efficient and long-term operation. Some companies categorically prohibit the use of air conditioning in the winter season, urging owners to preserve the device. This process consists of several steps:

• freon condensation in the outdoor unit;
• start the device in cooling mode;
• the use of a manometric manifold equipped with a service port;
• turning off the liquid supply of the main unit;
• turning off the gas supply until the atmospheric pressure is equal to the air capture pressure;
• turning off the manifold.
• total power failure of the system!

If preservation is impossible for any reason, then it is especially important not to violate the rules for operating the air conditioner in winter. Expensive models are equipped with self-diagnosis and protection systems that turn off the system automatically. At the same time, economy-class brands fail quite quickly under improper operating conditions. They continue to function until some node or structure fails.

Most common causes air conditioner breakdowns

• poor-quality installation of equipment;
• non-compliance of the installed equipment with the goals of the customer;
• violation of the rules of operation;
• lack of proper service.

How to ensure the correct operation of the air conditioner of any kind in the winter?

The best way is to complete the air conditioning kit with a starter, that is, a device for safely starting the engine, which is effective at very low outside temperatures. Thus, it is possible to prevent those overloads at the start, which occur in the event of icing of the drainage pipeline.

And, of course, to ensure the correct operation of the air conditioner in the autumn and winter months, you should call a specialist from a professional service. He will check the tightness of the system, clean the filters and give practical advice to prevent possible damage.

Checking the performance of the air conditioner in winter

Any air conditioning device is equipped with a similar set of components:

• capacitor;
• compressor;
• fan;
• evaporator;
• valve.

All components are combined through copper tubes narrow section, through which freon circulates, changing its gaseous state of aggregation into liquid, and vice versa.

In order to check the performance of the air conditioner in winter, you need to use professional specialists carry out a set of preventive measures:

1. Visual control and diagnostics of equipment.
2. Check for compliance with the rules of operation of this model.
3. Cleaning the filter elements of the indoor unit.
4. Cleaning the inlet and outlet louvers of the indoor unit.
5. Checking the temperature of dry air at the inlet of the indoor unit.
6. Monitoring the condition of electrical contacts and cables.
7. Tightness control of the piping system
8. Control of the functioning of the drainage.
9. Control of mechanical damage to the structure.
10. Cleaning the evaporator of the indoor unit.

You can also do a self check. To do this, take the following steps:

• Visual inspection of the blocks for the absence of mechanical damage to the hull, hydraulic and electrical parts equipment;
• Test the operation of the device in the “heating”/cooling” mode;
• Checking the operation of the output blinds with a mechanical drive;
• Using a vacuum cleaner, clean the fan, which is located in the outdoor unit of the device;
• Temperature control of dry air at the inlet and outlet of the evaporator;
• Checking the average pressure in the outdoor unit;
• Checking the tightness of the connection between the indoor and outdoor units;
• Checking the tightness of the drainage system of the air conditioner;
• Checking the air filters of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

After carrying out all the procedures, you should run the device in the "ventilation" mode for half an hour. Then start the device in cooling mode.

Important! According to Art. 18, paragraph 6 of the Law of the Russian Federation "On the Protection of Consumer Rights", "Defects caused by improper use of the goods are not subject to free elimination." Thus, if independent actions to check the performance of the air conditioner have caused any defects, the manufacturer is not obliged to carry out free warranty repairs.

The air conditioner can work flawlessly long time. Often, the deterioration of parameters occurs quite imperceptibly for the owner. Only due to timely inspection and prevention, it is possible to avoid malfunctions and breakdowns of expensive parts of the air conditioning device.

Types of home air conditioners

At home, the following types of climate control equipment are often used:

Air conditioning systems create a new quality of life, directly affecting the health, well-being and mental balance of people who are in a room equipped with a split system or air conditioning.

Air conditioners are distinguished by the following parameters:

• A package of functions (air ionization, cooling, heating, filtration, etc.);
• Power consumption;
• performance;
• The level of generated background noise;
• Price.

The main purpose of an air conditioner is to cool the air in a room. In addition, it has additional functions:

Cleaning the air - cleaning from dust is vital, for this we have developed different types filters: antibacterial, antiviral, hypoallergenic. The life of the filters depends on the degree of air pollution.

Heating is one of the most requested features. Used in conjunction with a heat pump high efficiency and economy.

Deodorization- This is the purification of indoor air from unpleasant odors.

Ventilation- directional distribution of air flows in the room.

Ionization- this is the saturation of the air with negative ions, which favorably affects the state of health.

dehumidification- removal of moisture from the air. Useful in damp climates.

Modern split systems and mobile units are able not only to cool the air, but also to heat it. It is important to understand: is it possible to use the air conditioner for heating in winter or the equipment is not designed to work in thermal mode at low temperatures outside.

Features and principle of operation of a split system for heat

Any split system is not a heating device, it does not have a heating element, therefore, for high-quality maintenance comfortable temperature the climate control system will not be enough. This is due to the peculiarities of the principles of its functioning. only when certain values thermometer outside.

Most splits can produce warm air. IN in general terms this process can be called the reversal of freon, in which the compressor is responsible for pumping it towards the room: heat is taken from the outside and conducted inside. Changing the refrigerant flow requires a four-way valve that reverses the evaporator and condenser positions. In the indoor unit, freon condenses with the release of heat, and in the external unit, evaporation occurs, during which the air conditioner absorbs heat. Heat is pumped from one place to another, but not generated. Because of this, in the heating mode, the efficiency of the air conditioner is greatly reduced, which makes its operation ineffective at street temperatures closer to zero.

The heat exchanger of the outdoor unit becomes infinitely small: at thermometer values ​​​​closer to zero and below its area is not enough to remove cold.

Outside temperature limits

The main part of air conditioners with heating function have certain limitations: manufacturers produce climate equipment with a programmed ability to work on heat at a minimum outside temperature of up to -5°C. In practice, it has been proven: with minus indicators, the split system should not be launched. It can be concluded that it is impossible to use the air conditioner for heating in winter. At best, it will be possible to bask in this way until November.

Failure to follow the recommendations given in the instructions and during installation leads to wear and tear in the constant start-stop mode. Modern two-component devices have a special program in which a signal is given from the temperature sensor to the board about unacceptable temperature values ​​\u200b\u200bof the heat exchanger, and the device is blocked from turning on. IN last resort only the fan will work, or one of the error codes will be displayed - for each trademark have their own ciphers.

How to turn on and set the air conditioner to warm air

If temperature regime on the street is observed, turn on the air conditioner using the ON button on the remote control remote control or on an external panel.

Find the HEAT button, or MODE and then the icon with the image of the sun, drops, snow or fan. If there is nothing like this, then this model of air conditioner is not intended for heating the room.

After switching the system to thermal mode, use the “+” and “-” buttons to set the desired temperature. It should be higher than the room temperature.

After setting the desired temperature indicator, the fan will turn on, and then warm air will begin to flow. The set climate will be established within 10 minutes.

There are models in which you first need to set the mode and temperature, and then press the ON button. detailed instructions included with the device upon purchase.

Problems and risks of operation

If you turn on the air conditioner for heating when the outside temperature is below the permissible one, the following problems may occur:

• the efficiency of the system will be significantly reduced;
• the condenser of the external unit will freeze;
• the fan of the outdoor unit breaks;
• the oil will thicken, causing the compressor to break down during system startup.

Efficiency and thermal efficiency of air conditioners

Under the efficiency of the air conditioner understand the evaluation of the efficiency of the system. The calculation of this value is made from the ratio of consumed and useful power. In this case, useful power is the amount of reduced heat per unit of time. talk about effective work possible when the efficiency of the air conditioner in heating mode is more than 1.

Usually, at positive temperatures outside, the amount of heat generated exceeds the amount of energy consumed by 2-4 times. If the power consumption was 1 kW, then the heating power will be approximately 2-4 kW. The manufacturer indicates the rated power consumption, which may slightly differ from the actual values.

The energy efficiency ratio of an air conditioner is usually labeled C.O.P. (Coefficient of Performance). It can be calculated by correlating two values ​​- heating power to power consumption.

If the thermal power was 3.5 kW and the consumption was 1.2 kW, then the efficiency would be approximately 2.9 kW. This is considered a fairly large performance. If the temperature outside decreases, the energy consumption increases accordingly, while the coefficient drops noticeably. A coefficient less than 2.4 is considered low. Devices with these values ​​are marked below the A-class.

Winter set

There are two myths about effective air conditioning heating in the winter cold.

The first myth: when installing a winter kit on an air conditioner with a heating function, it will be possible to use it at low temperatures. There is some truth in this - in this case it is allowed to turn on the device, but not for heat, but for cold.

The standard winter kit consists of three elements:

• fan slowdown device;
• compressor crankcase heating;
• drainage heating - self-regulating heating element.

When the air conditioner is used for heating in winter, there is no need to slow down the fan, on the contrary, it should rotate even more. Therefore, such a split configuration will only help with cooling the room, when it is necessary to slow down the rotation of the fan to maintain the condensation temperature.

Installation of the winter kit for inverters is carried out in most cases not completely, but partially, since for many devices the fan rotation retarder is already built into complex system electronics.

The second myth: the purchase of a modern air conditioner with a built-in winter kit and an anti-icing program will allow you to operate for heating up to the specified temperature parameters, which very often reach serious values. This is not entirely true. Only a few models belonging to semi-industrial series will be able to heat the room. In addition to the built-in drain pan heater, they have an enlarged heat exchanger. Such models provide decent heating efficiency in winter with air conditioning even at -25 ° C. The rest will be able to work efficiently with such external parameters only for cooling.

The main manufacturers and series of devices with a programmed ability to heat a room in cold weather:

IN modern conditions production of climate technology, it is possible to use an air conditioner for heating, but the purchase of an all-season split will cost much more.

Mobile air conditioner as a winter heater

The mobile air conditioner combined in one housing all the internal working elements of the refrigeration machine. When working in the cold, the air is taken from the room, inside it is divided into two parts: the cooled flow goes back, and the warm one is discharged through the outlet corrugated hose to the outside.

To heat the air in most monoblocks, a heating element is installed - built-in electric heater. The compressor works in reverse: cold air enters the pipe, and hot air enters the room. At the same time, electricity consumption increases significantly. Accordingly, work efficiency drops, and heating with a mobile air conditioner becomes costly.

At the same time, there are three significant advantages:

• with the help of this design, it is possible to serve areas up to 60 m²;
• heating with air conditioning in winter is possible at any outside temperature, since there is no external unit at all;
• a ceramic heating element for air heating can be installed in the mobile unit.

An accurate thermostat is placed in a monoblock with a heating mode, which, when the device reaches the set temperature, will turn off the compressor.

There are not many manufacturers producing high-quality monoblocks with a heating function. The most famous among them:

Selecting an air conditioner with heating function

Regardless of the preferred design of the device, when choosing an air conditioner for heating, it is imperative to pay attention to the following characteristics:

• rated power consumption;
• heat performance;
• energy efficiency class;

With the high energy efficiency of modern climatic devices, when with one used kilowatt of electricity you can get 3 - 4 kilowatts of cold or warm air, there is a desire to use air conditioners all year round. But is it possible to do this and what you need to have in order not to bring the device to breakage, you need to know in advance. Some models operate in the temperature range from minus 50 degrees to plus 50, but they are very expensive. These are the newest technologies. For more simple models there are special devices that allow you to turn on the air conditioner in winter.

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter and at what temperature

Operating conditions depend on the specific model of the split system. Devices of the lower and middle price segment are designed for a maximum temperature of minus 5 degrees in the cold season. You can take a chance and turn on the equipment at lower temperatures, but compressor failure is a serious thing, and repairs are expensive. You need to find out what operating temperature range for this model of air conditioner is when buying. In cheap systems, it is small.

The average split system works for heating at a maximum minus temperature of 7 degrees.

Models of the Mitsubishi Electric brand are able to maintain the operating mode at temperatures up to minus 20 degrees outside the window. In the presence of a winter kit - up to minus 30.

Another Japanese brand, Daikin, has also solved the all-weather problem for its split systems. Air conditioners in winter work for heating at a temperature of minus 15 degrees.

Before turning on the equipment for heating, you need to re-read the instructions and find out to what lower temperature threshold the device can be used so as not to disable it. There are two reasons why the air conditioner may break down:

1. Freezing of the drainage system. The condensate flowing out into the street during operation freezes in frost, the liquid cannot come out.
2. Freezing oil. Each brand has its own limit of lower temperatures at which it thickens and can no longer perform its functions.

As a result of violation of the rules for using the device in winter, various breakdowns occur. If protective functions are provided, the equipment will simply turn off, which will save it from costly repairs.

Heating is available only in spring and autumn, when the use of gas boilers is irrational, because they consume a lot of fuel. Warming up the room a little is all that can be achieved from a conventional air conditioner. However, consumers want to cool and heat the room with the same appliance.

In winter, the efficiency of the split system decreases if you turn on the air conditioner at sub-zero temperatures. Cooling work during the cold season is needed only in specific rooms where equipment is located that has high heat transfer and needs constant cooling. For these purposes, a winter kit has been created: to cool, not heat the room. It includes the following components:

• A device that reduces the speed of the impeller. Thanks to him, the efficiency is normalized.
• Compressor crankcase heating device. As soon as the compressor stops, the crankcase heater starts. Freon does not flow into it, the oil remains liquid, the refrigerant does not boil.
• Drainage heater. Pipes and bathtubs do not freeze, condensate freely flows out. There are heaters mounted outside and inside the line.

An air conditioner equipped with such a kit can be turned on in winter without fear.

To heat a house or apartment in winter, you need to buy a very expensive model, or use an average air conditioner at positive temperatures, which usually occur in the off-season. At sub-zero temperatures, use only for cooling equipment, for example, in server rooms, while installing a winter kit is mandatory.

What happens if you turn on the air conditioner in winter

The evaporation of the refrigerant for heat transfer is carried out at a temperature lower than that of atmospheric air 5 - 14 degrees. Thus, even if the temperature outside is +6 degrees, the evaporation temperature must be negative. If you turn on the air conditioner in winter, a "snow coat" grows on the heat exchanger. The exchange of heat with the atmosphere is disrupted, the freon evaporation temperature decreases, and productivity drops.

When the heat exchanger freezes, the performance of the equipment drops

The capacity of the heat exchanger covered with snow is not enough to evaporate freon. The refrigerant enters the suction line and from there into the compressor, causing water hammer.

Thus, the air conditioner can be turned on in winter, taking into account several negative points:

• cold performance drops significantly;
• the outdoor unit may freeze, the compressor will be damaged or water hammer will occur;
• if the heat exchanger is covered with ice, the condensate flows through it directly to the impeller, which sprays water into the room;
• compressor cooling is disturbed;
• the compressor discharge temperature is exceeded, which threatens to melt the four-way valve;
• the drain tube may freeze.

How to operate the air conditioner in winter

The use of the air conditioner in winter is possible under the following conditions:

1. For the device to work safely, it must be used for its intended purpose - to cool the room. This reduces the risk of breakage.
2. Winter kit must be installed, heating compressor and drainage system. Even in the off-season, the temperature at night can drop 1 to 2 degrees below zero, so it will not be superfluous to secure the device if it is sometimes turned on for heating.
3. The device must have a heating function as such in order to turn it on in warm mode. In hot countries, split systems are mainly designed for cooling, so all questions are clarified with sellers when buying.

Companies manufacturing cooling systems are directing their efforts to design a device that can work productively for cooling even in the most very coldy. To heat a dwelling in Siberia, where frosts reach 40-50 degrees, any air conditioner will not even turn on, let alone maintain productivity.

It is recommended to operate cooling systems in specialized rooms with expensive equipment alternately. The equipment is configured to automatically switch from one air conditioner to another so that they have the opportunity to rest and cool down. During periods of heavy loads, several split systems can work simultaneously in the server room, so all outdoor units must be equipped with heating elements for compressor and drainage. The winter set heats the oil first of all so that the rubbing parts do not wear out, keeps the condenser tube warm so that the liquid in it does not freeze.

Heating split system in the cold period

It is necessary to turn on the equipment for heating after cleaning the filters. Use conventional detergents for the removable filter and special solutions for the fine filter, if available. The vacuum cleaner removes dust from the indoor unit and turns it on for a couple of hours in ventilation mode to remove moisture.

Check the device at temperatures that are indicated in the operating instructions. Do this with the winter kit already installed. If you bought an expensive model that can operate at very low temperatures, you need to clarify whether you need a winter kit, or is it already built into outdoor unit.

If the operation is not planned, it is advisable to cover the outdoor unit with waterproof material.

When buying a split system in winter, installation is carried out when the temperature outside allows you to turn on the equipment. You should not expect that the air conditioner will work productively, heating the room up to 30 degrees. All you can expect is 18 - 23 degrees with a powerful compressor.

Air conditioning cooling in winter

In some rooms, it is necessary to constantly cool the air, because expensive equipment is located there. As already mentioned, most often these are server rooms that have a large heat dissipation. When temperatures rise in summer, equipment can fail and disrupt the operation of the entire enterprise.

Similar equipment are magnetic resonance imaging scanners in hospitals. These devices cost several hundred thousand dollars and are very expensive to install and repair. The task of the air conditioner is to protect the MRI machine from damage, so it must work for cooling both in winter and in summer. There are no problems in summer, but in winter you need to install heating for climate equipment and observe the temperature regime.

In areas with a harsh climate, it is better not to skimp on the cooling of electronic diagnostic equipment, as repairs will cost more than the most expensive model. The best are Japanese split systems, which turn on at temperatures down to minus 25 degrees, and with a winter set up to minus 30.

IN special rooms install several cooling systems so that in case of failure of any failure, you can turn on the spare.

Features of winter operation

Air conditioner heating mode designations

To turn on the air conditioner for warm operation, find the necessary button on the remote control. IN different models it looks different - in the form of an icon with the sun or with the inscription Mote, which means switching modes.

After pressing the split button, the system will start working for heating no earlier than 10 minutes later. The air in the room will warm up after 15 to 20 minutes. First, the external unit will work, then the internal unit will connect to work. Do not think that the equipment is broken, just the system should be prepared for work.

Problems and risks of operation

Without a heat booster pump, the oil will not be able to heat up to desired temperature. Compressor parts will run dry for a while. Friction of parts without lubrication increases and leads to wear. At certain temperatures, the viscosity of the oil increases, at which it is not effective. Compressor failure in this case occurs gradually and depends on how long the rubbing parts can withstand.

Water hammer is the ingress of liquid freon into the compressor. Normally, the refrigerant must be heated and enter the compressor in a gaseous state. At low temperatures, the transition of freon from liquid state into gaseous, which affects the operation of the valve system. When the pressure drops, the compressor receives less refrigerant than expected, the engine overheats and stops working. In this case, damage to the insulation and deterioration of the lubrication is possible.

It is traditionally believed that heating a room with an air conditioner in winter is the lot of warm countries, where the minimum temperature in January is -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?

Before minimum temperatures specified in the documentation by the manufacturer - 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 lower temperatures, you will need to modify the air conditioner 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 central heating not included 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. Average Energy Efficiency Ratio for heating season 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. At no extra cost in the summer, you also get a cooling system for your 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.