Air conditioner in winter

Split systems of various modifications have become necessary assistants to create a comfortable atmosphere in the house. The equipment cools and heats the air, but not everyone knows at what temperature outside you can turn on the air conditioner. In order for the device to work smoothly, this issue should be understood more thoroughly.

Operating temperature

The instruction attached to the climatic equipment sets the working level of temperatures ranging from -5 to +20 degrees (the manufacturer in the documentation must mention how many degrees at the moment of switching on must be “overboard”). But is it worth using an air conditioner in the winter as a heater with temperature indicators lower than those stated?

To answer this question it is worth remembering about the features of the device. At high sub-zero temperatures, the device will simply start to lose the declared heat output. The operation of the air conditioner in winter may have the following consequences:

• thickened oil in the refrigerant;
• friction of parts on the dry;
• worn compressor;
• failure of equipment.

Important information about temperature limits

For the cold season there are important limitations. Do not turn on the heating when temperature outside below 0 С°, otherwise such problems will begin:

• condensate starts to freeze on the external heat exchanger, therefore the outdoor unit begins to become covered with ice;
• as a result, heat transfer deteriorates;
• decreases the performance in heating.

At what temperature can you turn on the air conditioner for cooling? It is important to ensure that it does not fall. below +5 С° If it breaks, the following can happen:

• performance of climatic equipment will decrease;
• there will be a freezing in the structure of the street block and drainage pipe;
• the compressor may break already at startup.

The scheme of the air conditioner

What is a low temperature kit for?

Some manufacturers recommend the purchase of additional "winter set"For your device. The essence of this know-how is to buy a special set that allows the split to work in the winter and not to lose heat performance, even with serious "disadvantages".

In fact, this kit includes three devices that perform the following functions:

• crankcase heater to prevent thickening of the oil;
• drainage heating (prevents the block from icing up outside);
• speed retarder for outdoor fan.

However, the main purpose of such a set is to expand the operating temperature range for cooling, and not to use equipment for heating. That is, in the presence of a "winter set" you can turn on the air conditioner in winter, but only to freshen up the room, and not to be constantly heated with it.

What models can work on heating

However, technical progress does not stand still, and some of the split-systems can still be used to heat rooms even at a temperature of -25 degrees. We are talking about inverter models. The brands Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin have proven themselves very well.But even in this case it is worthwhile to clarify whether it is possible to use appliances for the purpose of heating.

Unlike standard devices, inverter units have a drive capable of independently adjusting the power level. This makes it possible to use the air conditioner at a temperature outside the window from -12 to -15 ° C, and for some manufacturers this rule works up to -40 ° C.

Preparing the device for the winter

On how the climatic equipment "outlives" the cold season, depends on its performance in the next season. Here is the minimum preventive measureswhich should be done if it is not planned to turn on the air conditioning in winter.

1. Remove the remaining moisture from the heat exchanger of the indoor unit - to do this, simply turn on the device for two hours.
2. Filters inside the device can be cleaned by yourself.
3. It is advisable to cover the outdoor unit with some waterproof material (this is done whenever possible, if it is within reach).

And if the equipment purchased in the winter, how can you check its performance? It can only be switched on at the minimum specified in the instructions or by purchasing the above-mentioned low-temperature kit.If these conditions are not followed, it is better to wait for the onset of spring.

Since the inclusion of the air conditioner "on heating" in winter is fraught with serious problems, it is best to use this function only during the off season, and then, the device turns on briefly. But even in this case, climate technology should be given only a secondary role: there are a large number of specialized devices that will cope with this task much better than it.