Can I turn it on in winter. “You can use the air conditioner in winter, but subject to a number of restrictions. Correct use of the air conditioner in winter

Autumn comes and along with it the question usually arises: how can residents of megalopolises heat their premises while utilities have not turned on the heating yet? Those who have a multifunctional air conditioner in their apartment are pondering how safe it is to use this device in heating mode in autumn and winter and how it can be configured for this.

Air conditioner: from monoblock to split system

The first air conditioners were massive units that were rather problematic to squeeze into the window opening. They could work exclusively to cool the room. Those who are older probably remember the bulky and noisy BK air conditioner, the only device of this kind produced in the Soviet era. As the air conditioning segment evolved, its size decreased, its function increased, and the design became more and more pleasing to the eye.

Over time, progress has found a replacement for a monoblock window, which does not look particularly aesthetically pleasing against the background of the opening, and systems consisting of two parts: internal and external, and having not only the ability to cool, but also to heat the room, have firmly entered into everyday life. Out of habit, the split system is still called in everyday life: air conditioning.

Advantages over an electric heater

The heater works for heat due to the active transformation and consumption of electricity and it noticeably loses to the functions of the air conditioner in the following terms:

consumes very a large number of electric current;
unevenly heats the room, as a result of which it is necessary to turn it on at high power in order to heat distant corners;
for a long time heats the air in the room to a comfortable one.

An air conditioner for heating works differently from an electric heater. When the air is cooled, it transfers heat from the room to the outside through the outdoor unit exchanger. When operating in heating mode, the functions of the air conditioner change in the exact opposite: the device heats the room by cooling the air outside.

This is due to the fact that the air conditioner uses electricity exclusively for the operation of the fans and the compressor, which transfer heat to the room.

Based on this, the main function of the air conditioner is that it transfers heat in the heat pump mode and consumes much less electricity than it gives off heat to the room. In this regard, an inverter air conditioner can do a much better job, because it has an adjustable power: after the temperature in your house has settled at the required level. Such an air conditioner does not turn off, and by reducing the compressor speed, it can maintain heat in the desired mode, helping to save a considerable amount of electricity.

To transfer heat, the device uses the necessary substances, called refrigerants, which come into contact with the surrounding air through heat exchangers in the following stages:

heat from one air niche is absorbed by the refrigerant through the heat exchanger;
the compressor transfers the refrigerant to another heat exchanger;
the heat concentrated by the refrigerant is transferred to the air.

Can the air conditioner be used in heating mode in winter at very low temperatures

It is best to use the air conditioner for heating in the cool summer months and during the off-season, i.e. before the beginning heating season and right after it. As a rule, the instructions for a domestic air conditioner indicate the range of temperatures outside the room at which it can operate.

Typically, the lowest temperature when operating for heating is -5 degrees. Although some inverter models cope with these functions well at -15 degrees.

The climatic conditions of most of our country do not allow the owners of the device to use the full use of the air conditioner in winter due to the possibility of its breakdown.

As recommended by most manufacturers, optimal use the conditioner in winter is its conservation, because at very low temperatures, serious malfunctions of the air conditioner can occur. The lower the degree, the worse the performance of the air conditioner and its systems:

the heat exchanger becomes covered with frost and loses power;
the system is constantly turned on, which maintains the defrosting of the outdoor unit, leading to the formation of ice build-up inside the compressor and the destruction of the fan blades;
refrigerant that did not have time to evaporate in a poorly working heat exchanger flows down the drainage systems to the compressor, causing a water hammer;
the compressor first overheats and then freezes over, failing.

Mobile monoblock air conditioner as an option for heating in winter

What if you cannot do without heating with such a device? It is quite appropriate to use a mobile floor unit designed to heat a room. Moreover, it can be placed almost anywhere in the apartment. The monoblock used for cooling uses freon and is equipped with a powerful pump and a long corrugated pipe thrown out of the window to remove hot air.

By the same principle, a monoblock can work for heating, using in this case not a freon circuit system, but a ceramic heat heater. The biggest stumbling block in this case is that the outlet hose must be taken out somewhere. Considering that you have to use such a device in winter, it is not an easy task. Whenever possible, it is easiest to route the hose to a vent or other similar drainage system.

In any case, this option is quite convenient in winter and heating in this way does not cause any particular problems. The mobility of the air conditioner allows you to roll it from one room to another, evenly warming up the entire room.

Everyone knows that the main task of an air conditioner is to cool the air, however modern models air conditioners are able not only to cool, but also to heat the premises with high quality. Moreover, heating with an air conditioner is often much more efficient than using an electric heater.

If you already have an air conditioner or are thinking about buying it, you are probably now thinking about whether you can turn it on in winter?

In this article we will tell you how real the operation of the air conditioner is in winter, and at what temperature outside it can be turned on for heating.

The principle of operation of the air conditioner for heating

Most air conditioners, be it a simple household window or an expensive commercial VRF system serving huge buildings in metropolitan areas, have the same operating principle.

They do not produce heat (or cold), but pump it from one environment to another.

In our case, one and the other environment is air - respectively, outdoor and indoor.

Many of you are familiar with the operation of the air conditioner for cooling: the coolness inside the room is formed by blowing the cold condenser (heat exchanger of the indoor unit), and excess heat is thrown out through the evaporator (heat exchanger of the outdoor unit).

But what happens when the air conditioner turns on "warm"? In this case, the heat exchangers seem to change their roles, that is, the indoor unit becomes a condenser (the refrigerant condenses in it), and the outdoor unit becomes an evaporator (the refrigerant evaporates in it), thus the heat from the street is "transferred" to the room.

Here each of you may have a fair question: "how can you" take "heat from the air, which already has a negative temperature?" The answer is quite simple: take, for example, air with a temperature of -5 C 0 and cool it down to -20 C 0. Even frosty air has a thermal potential.

However, it should be borne in mind that not all air conditioners are recommended to be used for heating at a negative outside temperature.

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter

Despite the fact that manufacturers of air conditioners often indicate in their technical characteristics that devices can be operated at temperatures down to -5 C 0 or -7 C 0, conventional air conditioners should be protected in cold weather.

It is better to use them as an additional source of heat or during the off-season, when the centralized heating is not yet turned on.

What can happen if you turn on a conventional air conditioner to "warm" in severe frost? Well, firstly, its performance in such conditions will drop dramatically.

In addition, at low temperatures, the oil in the refrigeration circuit loses its positive properties, which leads to premature wear of the compressor parts. The drain pan and heat exchanger of the outdoor unit can also freeze up, which is fraught with failure of the entire system.

Fortunately, the technical industry does not stand still, and today the issue of heating in winter, both domestic and commercial premises, is successfully solved with the help of inverter air conditioners.

The fundamental difference between inverter systems is the way the compressor is controlled.

When the target temperature is reached, it does not stop its work, but only reduces its performance to the required degree by changing the speed of the electric motor.

Even inexpensive inverter models are capable of efficiently heating rooms at outdoor temperatures down to -15 C 0. The most efficient inverter systems, designed specifically for regions with harsh climatic conditions, cope with this task even in frosts from -25 C 0 or more. It should be noted that the COP of such air conditioners can reach 5, which means that for 1 kW of consumed electricity, the user receives 5 kW of heat.

The reverse side of the coin of inverter air conditioning systems is:

higher price in comparison with conventional air conditioners;
increased sensitivity of the inverter electronics to voltage surges;
greater weight of the outdoor unit;
more complex repair due to the presence of a large number of electronics.

Outcome

If you choose an air conditioner for heating a house or apartment, and there are often subzero temperatures outside the window in winter, it is better to choose an inverter air conditioner.

Before you finally decide on the manufacturer and model, you need to clearly understand how often you will turn on the air conditioner for heating and carefully weigh the pros and cons.

The durability of the air conditioner largely depends on the correct operation and quality care. As a result of inconsistent and hasty actions, this device can completely fail. Therefore, in order for your HVAC equipment to work smoothly throughout the hot season, you need to know how to properly start it up after winter.

Preventive measures

It should be borne in mind that failure of the air conditioner due to improper technical maintenance or lack thereof will not be recognized as a warranty case. Therefore, the repair or complete replacement of equipment will be entirely on the shoulders of its owner. To avoid these unpleasant lessons, you should read a few simple rules, the implementation of which will be the key to effective and uninterrupted operation of equipment.

So how do you turn on the air conditioner after a long period of inactivity? In fact, there are several simple rules that are mandatory for every owner of HVAC equipment.

Temperature regime

The operating instructions for the device always indicate at what temperature the air conditioner can be turned on. Typically, these rates range from 0 to -5 ˚C. Thus, the device should not be turned on until the air has warmed up to the required temperature. In addition, there is no particular need to turn on the air conditioner at low temperatures.

The air conditioner consists of indoor and outdoor units, each of which needs to be cleaned regularly, and especially before starting.

Filters and internal parts should be cleaned at least once a month. And after a long winter inactivity, this procedure should be carried out especially carefully: the indoor unit is rinsed with water, and to clean the outside, it is best to use a compressor with compressed air... If you ignore these recommendations, then the equipment may fail. People who are in a room where an uncleaned appliance is used will breathe in dust and dirt that spreads inside the room when it is first turned on.

Before turning on the air conditioner, inspect the fan blades and the grate, which prevents leaves, poplar fluff, twigs and other foreign objects from entering them. If you find that the grille needs cleaning, you can call a specialist or clean it yourself. To do this, the device must be disconnected from the power supply so that the moving fan blades do not injure your hands.

Electrical contacts

It is mandatory to check the electrical contacts and electronic components of the device before starting. If malfunctions are found, it is best to call specialists who have special equipment to check the functionality of the compressor and other parts.

System pressure and freon refueling

Checking the pressure in the system and refueling with freon are also necessary before starting the air conditioner. The main source that maintains its performance is freon. Freon leakage can lead to equipment breakdown. However, you should also remember about the so-called standardized leakage, which is considered an inevitable phenomenon caused by the peculiarities of the connection of the indoor and outdoor units. Freon is not dangerous for a person in the room, but if it is not enough in the air conditioning system, then the device can work with significant interruptions.

Checking the outlet air temperature

After checking the air conditioner and cleaning it, check which air is coming out of the ventilation grill. Normally, it should be cold. To determine the degree of coldness of the air, subtract the temperature of the air entering the device from the temperature of the air leaving. This value is called delta T temperature. The normal value for it is a temperature of -11 to -6 C˚. In the case when the temperature of the discharged air is below -11 C˚, the air conditioner will not be able to effectively cool the air in a very hot weather... If the temperature is above -6 C˚, then the system may malfunction.

Turning on the air conditioner

After winter, with the onset of the first warm days, you can start starting the air conditioner. To do this, follow these steps:

make sure that the temperature outside is not below 0 C˚;
disconnect the air conditioner from the network;
take all the necessary steps to clean the equipment;
check the operation of the batteries in the remote control, replace if necessary;
connect the device to the network;
make sure that the room temperature is at least 20 C˚, select the cooling mode on the remote control, turn on the air conditioner and set the minimum temperature (18 C˚). In this case, the fan speed should be maximum;
wait a while, when cold air comes out of the air conditioner, leave it to work in this mode for 10-15 minutes. Then you should try the fan operation at different speeds, the operation of the shutter. If the device responds well to all manipulations (blows weaker or stronger, moves the curtain), then this means that the device is in good working order and ready for the summer season.

When do you need to see a specialist?

If the radiator of the outdoor unit is very dirty.
If the outdoor unit is damaged (for example, its case is broken).
If the air conditioner does not blow cold air when set to cooling mode 10 minutes after starting.
If the air is not cold enough.
When there is extraneous noise in the device.
In the event of any incomprehensible situations (there is no reaction to the remote control, the lights flash or the air conditioner refuses to work at all).

The air conditioner requires care and attention from its owner. Following the above rules and recommendations will extend the life of your device and ensure its efficient operation for many years.

Split-systems of various modifications have become indispensable helpers to create a comfortable atmosphere in the house. Technology cools and heats the air, but not everyone knows at what temperature outside the air conditioner can be turned on. In order for the device to work flawlessly, this issue should be understood more thoroughly.

The instruction attached to the climatic equipment sets the working temperature bar within the range from -5 to +20 degrees (the manufacturer will definitely mention in the documentation how many degrees should be "overboard" at the moment of switching on). But is it worth using an air conditioner in winter as a heater at temperatures below those stated?

To answer this question, it is worth remembering the features of the device. At high subzero temperatures, the device will simply begin to lose the declared heat output. Air conditioner operation in winter can have the following consequences:

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

Important information about temperature limits

There are important restrictions for the cold season. Heating cannot be switched on when outside temperature below 0 С°, otherwise such problems will start:

condensate on the external heat exchanger begins to freeze, so the outdoor unit begins to ice;
as a result, heat transfer worsens;
heating performance drops.

At what temperature can the air conditioner be turned on for cooling? It is important to make sure that it does not fall below +5 C°. If you break it, the following can happen:

the performance of climatic equipment will decrease;
freezing will occur in the structure of the street block and the drainage pipe;
the compressor may break down already at startup.

Air conditioner operation diagram

What is a low temperature kit for?

Some manufacturers recommend buying an additional “ winter kit»For your device. The essence of this know-how lies in the purchase of a special kit that allows the split to work in winter period and not to lose heat output even with serious "minuses".

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

crankcase heating to prevent oil thickening;
drainage heating (prevents the block from freezing 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 for using equipment for heating. That is, if you have a "winter kit" you can turn on the air conditioner in winter, but only to refresh the room, and not constantly be heated with it.

What models can work for 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 Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin brands have proven themselves very well. But even in this case, it is worth clarifying whether it is possible to use equipment for the purpose of heating.

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

Preparing the device for winter

How the climatic technology “survives” the cold season depends on its performance in the next season. Here is the minimum preventive measureswhich must be done if it is not planned to turn on the air conditioner in winter.

Remove residual moisture from the heat exchanger of the indoor unit - for this, it is enough to turn on the device for two hours.
The filters inside the device can be cleaned by yourself.
It is advisable to cover the outdoor unit with some kind of waterproof material (this is done whenever possible if it is within reach).

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

Since turning on the air conditioner "for 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 for a short time. But even in this case, it is necessary to give climatic technology only a secondary role: there are a large number of specialized devices that will cope with this task much better than it.

Probably everyone remembers the unprecedentedly high demand for air conditioners last summer. And snapped up as household air conditionersas well as systems intended for enterprises. But winter has already come, which means that the air conditioner can be put on the hook at least until spring. But no matter how it is! There is also work for the air conditioner in the cold season. The main thing here is to know how to properly use this equipment in winter, so that it does not deteriorate by summer. The site told the reporter about all the intricacies of the winter operation of air conditioners alexey Zaitsev, CTO of MDV-Russia.

- It is not recommended to turn on the air conditioner, at least for household ones, if the temperature outside the window dropped below minus 10 degrees. What happens if you violate this requirement, and is it really necessary to strictly comply with this requirement?

- Recommendations not to turn on the air conditioner at low temperatures are based on the operating temperature range of the equipment specified by the manufacturer. The manufacturer is obliged to indicate the service life of the equipment, and in many countries this parameter is established by law. That is, it cannot be less than a certain period. Since all air conditioners in Russia are imported, these terms apply to them.

If you do not comply with the specified temperature regime, this will not only lead to a reduction in the service life of the air conditioner, but may also lead to its breakdown. Therefore, the rules for operating the air conditioner are mandatory. It should also be remembered that all specifications declared by manufacturers only within the limits of the specified working temperature range.

- Still, you can turn on the air conditioner in the cold season ...

- Observing a whole range of restrictions. First of all, it is necessary to determine which of the operating modes of the air conditioner we are talking about: cooling or heating. Almost all modern air conditioners can operate normally in heating mode at negative temperatures. However, you should not expect the manufacturer's declared energy efficiency from the air conditioner in such conditions. When certain conditions it may be that it is easier to turn on the electric heater.

It should be remembered that due to design features it is easier to work at negative temperatures in an inverter-type air conditioner than a standard one. For example, mini VRF-systems MDV guarantee heating operation when the outdoor temperature drops to -15 degrees Celsius. Wall-mounted split systems MDV guarantee heating operation at outdoor temperatures up to -7 degrees Celsius. Cooling mode for a conventional air conditioner at outdoor temperatures below plus 10-17 degrees is an extreme mode of operation leading to breakdown.

For clarity, I will give a few examples of why low temperatures can be critical for air conditioners. Firstly, the bulk of air conditioners are household appliances that were not designed for such work during the design. Secondly, is cooling often necessary if the outside temperature drops below plus 10-17 degrees? Usually the need to turn on the air conditioner at such moments arises, for example, in the off-season, when central heating have not turned off yet. The main problems in this case are associated with a decrease in the condensation pressure, with oil boiling up when starting the air conditioning compressor. At temperatures near or below zero, condensation freezes, usually taken out into the street. This does not lead to a breakdown of the air conditioner, but it does not lead to repairs in the room.

- What to do if the operation of the air conditioner is fundamentally necessary outside the window even at subzero temperatures?

- In this case, it is necessary to use equipment specially adapted for such conditions. For example, mini VRF-systems MDV guarantee operation for cooling when the outdoor temperature drops to minus 5 degrees Celsius. If you need a separate split system, you need to install a special winter kit. It usually includes a condensing pressure regulator, a compressor crankcase heater and a drain heater. To avoid loss of warranty, this kit should only be installed by an Authorized Service Center. Installers can only be relied upon if they represent the equipment supplier, but this is not so common.

- What does such a kit give?

- When installing this kit, it is possible to achieve stable operation of the air conditioner for cooling down to -15C. With a further decrease in temperature, the wind load will have an effect, i.e. in calm weather or with a good location of the outdoor unit in a place protected from the wind, it is possible to work up to -20C. Expansion of the operating temperature range downward when working for cooling is also possible, but it seems impractical due to the high cost of these solutions.

- How important is it to use air conditioners in winter?

- Usually in the cold season, air conditioners are used for heating, mainly in the off-season. However, for the private market, this issue is not as relevant as for corporate clients. For various industrial enterprises, the operation of an air conditioner for cooling at negative temperatures is a rather important issue.

- Considering that most users do not turn on the air conditioner in winter, is it necessary to carry out any special measures to preserve this equipment?

- Preservation of the air conditioner for the winter period is not a mandatory procedure. It is much more important to carry out preventive maintenance of the air conditioner before the start of the new summer season. So, in the indoor unit, you need to clean the permanent filters, and, if necessary, replace the replaceable ones, which you can do yourself. Using the services of the service center, it makes sense to clean and disinfect the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, clean the heat exchanger of the outdoor units, and flush drainage system, check the tightness of the refrigeration circuit and, if necessary, eliminate leaks and top up the air conditioner. These works must be carried out every year. If your outdoor unit is located in a poplar fluff area, the heat exchanger must be cleaned when it becomes dirty. These measures will allow the air conditioner to operate for the life stated by the manufacturer and save on energy costs.

The AYAK Group of Companies is the exclusive distributor of MDV in the Russian Federation and in the CIS countries. Official website of the company