Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter
Miscellaneous / / April 03, 2023
Much depends on the type of your device.
How air conditioner works
The general principle of operation is based on the property of liquids to release heat during condensation and absorb it during evaporation. Compressor, condenser and evaporator air conditioner are interconnected by tubes that form a closed system - a refrigeration circuit. The refrigerant freon constantly moves through it, which passes from a liquid state to a gaseous state or vice versa.
In cooling mode, freon passes through the condenser, then enters the evaporator, where it is converted into gas, absorbs heat from the air in the room, and then redirects to the outdoor unit to the street and gives the received energy. During heating operation, the reverse process occurs: with the help of a changeover valve, the refrigerant moves from the evaporator to the condenser, changes from gas to liquid and sends heat to the room.
Depending on the type of compressor, air conditioners can provide the desired indoor climate in different ways.
Linear models maintain a constant power level, while the compressor automatically turns off when the set threshold is reached in the room temperature. The device is periodically activated again to cool or heat the air up to the set limit. These air conditioners are very common and are moderately priced.
Inverter models run continuously, but automatically adjust their power. Thus, they can maintain the desired temperature, consuming less electricity than linear options. Devices inverter type also wear out more slowly, but also cost more: they belong to the premium segment.
Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter
Models of air conditioners, of course, differ in their characteristics and the temperature ranges allowed for operation on the street. But many modern devices can be used in the cold season. It is important for what purpose you need it.
For heating
Many linear air conditioners are capable of heating only when the outside temperature is not lower than -5 or -7 ° C. Please refer to the user manual for the device for information on restrictions. If you turn on the standard apparatus with a stronger frost, then at best the heating efficiency will be low. When iced, the device is likely to break.
But inverter-type models are able to function stably at very low temperatures - up to -15 ° C, and some even up to -30 ° C.
For cooling
Budget climate devices are capable of cool the air indoors, if the temperature outside is not lower than 16 °C. Valid parameters are always specified in the instructions. In winter, turning on a standard household air conditioner to lower the temperature in the room in most cases is useless. In addition, it threatens to cause malfunctions.
But for some rooms, constant air cooling may be necessary. For example, in departments with working equipment or in medical offices. In this case, specialized models are used that will not break at very low temperatures.
At the same time, simple models can be protected winter set. The set usually consists of a system for additional heating of the system elements, as well as a fan operation regulator in the outdoor unit. These elements will help to avoid ice on the body, icing of the drainage system, thickening of the oil and hypothermia of the freon. The air conditioner can be used at temperatures below the range specified by the manufacturer. But it should be remembered that this is only useful for cooling mode. The winter kit is not suitable for heating.
How to properly use your air conditioner in winter
If you are going to turn on the air conditioner during frost, consider the following points:
- An inexpensive linear model can break at very low temperatures. Be sure to check the allowable range in the manufacturer's manual and only activate the device when the weather is right.
- If the device is not prepared for winter operation, the drainage system, compressor or condenser will suffer. Therefore, set only the temperature that the air conditioner can maintain without icing. You can also look for it in the instructions for your model.
- If possible, install a protective cover over the outdoor unit in advance.
- Make sure that condensation does not accumulate in the indoor unit. You should also regularly purify dust and dirt filters.
- If the air conditioner provides for the possibility of working for heating, but the equipment does not turn on, one of the circuit elements may have failed. There is also the possibility of a freon leak. If you cannot identify and fix the problem yourself, it is better to contact the service center.
- If you need room cooling, you can call a climate specialist and ask him to install a winter kit.
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