Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter: rules for operating climate technology. Features of the air conditioner in winter Inverter air conditioners at subzero temperatures

Most of the air conditioners produced today are models that work, in addition to cooling, also in heating mode. In the so-called "off-season" - in spring and autumn, when full heating does not work - the function for the Russian consumer is quite convenient.

But is it possible to turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter, at negative temperatures ?

It is NOT RECOMMENDED to use most brands of air conditioners in the HEATING mode in winter, at subzero temperatures.

In the instructions, manufacturers of climatic equipment always indicate the temperature range of the outside air, which is permissible for the normal operation of equipment.

So, for example, for- not lower than minus 5 С ° ... But we still do not recommend turning on the air conditioner at temperatures below 0 С°.

In case of problems with heating, it is better to purchase a convector, infrared heater, heat gun, heat curtain or others.specialized devices.

When operating the air conditioner on HEATING at temperatures below 0 С ° the following problems arise:

• On an external heat exchangerstarts to stand out condensate , therefore, at an outdoor temperature of 0 С° and below, the condensate begins to freeze. As a result, the outdoor unit is covered with ice.
• As a result, heat transfer deteriorates and the heating performance of the air conditioner is greatly reduced.Liquid refrigerant entering the compressor will damage the compressor.

When the air conditioner is COOLING when the temperature is below +5 С ° :

The solution to this problem is the purchase and installation of a "winter kit".

The operation of a split system in winter is important in premises such as server rooms, base stations of mobile telecom operators, mini-bakeriesor other premises with large heat gains, which require constant year-round uninterrupted cooling.

The kit includes:

• Fan speed retarder: maintains the set condensation temperature, prevents freezing of the indoor unit of the air conditioner.
• Compressor crankcase heater: when the compressor is stopped, the heater is turned on to prevent refrigerant from escaping into the crankcase. It heats up the oil, preventing it from thickening. Refrigerant boiling and water hammer do not occur when the compressor is started.
• Drainage heater: drains condensate from the air conditioner, prevents water from freezing.

And most importantly, these kits are designed to operate the air conditioner in the winter oncooling, and not for heating.

Air conditioner breakdown warranty

Switching on (split-system) at an outside air temperature below that specified in the instructions is a violation of the operating conditions and does not apply to the warranty case.

Preparing the air conditioner for winter

An important question is how to prepare an air conditioner (in this case, we are talking about a split system) for winter. The minimum you need to do is:

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter, and if not, why not? This question is asked from time to time by the majority of users of this modern climatic device.

Why you can't use the air conditioner in winter

The question is not entirely correct. In fact, there are progressive models of air conditioners that are designed to work in winter conditions at temperatures down to -10 ... -15 ° C. These are the so-called inverter air conditioners. And the Japanese Mitsubishi Electric Zubadan MUZ-FDVABH unit works even at -25 ° C. Of course, such devices are not cheap, and today we will talk about ordinary household air conditioners for mass use.

But they really cannot work at temperatures below -5 ° C. There are only two reasons for this:

• During the operation of the air conditioner, condensation forms, which under normal conditions is discharged outside the room by means of a drain pipe. It is clear that in the cold the condensate will freeze and form an ice plug in the discharge system. This plug will block the exit of condensate to the outside, after which it has two outputs:
  • Condensation seeps through cracks and leaks in the joints into the room through the inner case, creating increased humidity. And this, in turn, can cause the appearance of molds that pose a threat to the health of residents.
  • The resulting excessive condensate pressure will damage the air conditioner.
• The refrigerant contains a lubricant that lubricates the rubbing parts of the evaporator during operation. In the cold, this grease thickens, which complicates the operation of the unit, shortens its service life and ultimately leads to the failure of the air conditioner.

Refrigerant (coolant) is a working substance of a refrigerating machine, which, during boiling (evaporation, melting, or even sublimation), takes away heat from the object to be cooled and then, after compression, transfers it to the cooling medium due to condensation or other phase transition.

Most models of domestic air conditioners can work either only for cooling, or for heating the premises. If the consumer has the second type of device, he needs to know that the air conditioner can be used for heating when the outside air temperature is not lower than 0 ° C, and for cooling - up to -5 ° C.

For heating an apartment in winter, it is better to use the heating devices intended for this.

Video: is it possible to heat the room with air conditioning

Do not use an ordinary air conditioner outside the window at subzero temperatures. Even if it does not fail immediately, its service life will still be reduced. It is much more convenient and economical to use heating devices intended for these purposes for heating premises, the range of which is currently simply huge.

Having bought a split-system at home, you suddenly thought about whether it is possible to turn on the split-system in winter? The question is quite reasonable, because even in the instructions and technical documentation for the purchased climatic equipment it is indicated that the operating temperature range of reversible air conditioners is from -5 to +25 degrees. What if it's not -5, but -30? Let's find out how real the air conditioner works in winter.

Heating in winter: myth or reality

Pay attention to the instructions for your air conditioner. Surely you will see the parameters already voiced above, or very close to them. If the temperature overboard is below -5, then the air conditioner will simply lose the heat output declared in the technical documentation. Sooner or later, it will drop to zero altogether. Is it possible to operate the air conditioner in winter?

Household air conditioners should not be operated at all in winter. The fact is that the oil dissolved in the refrigerant "works" effectively only with the parameters specified in the instructions. Violating it (instructions), you risk "losing" your friend forever, because the friction of the parts will occur almost dry due to the thickened oil, and this will inevitably lead to rapid wear of the compressor and its final failure.

"Winter" temperatures for efficient operation of reversible air conditioners should not be lower than -5 degrees

There are measures aimed at expanding the operating temperature range of the split system so that you can use the equipment in the winter to cool the room, and not to heat it.

Choosing an air conditioner for operation in winter

Thanks to the winter start device, the operation of the air conditioner in winter is possible, and not in the range specified in the instructions, but at much lower temperatures. To do this, you need to choose a model with technical indicators appropriate for this purpose. Split system MDV provides operation up to -8 degrees, and VRF - up to -15 degrees Celsius.

Some models of split systems, such as Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin, can be used to heat rooms even if the outside temperature is -25 degrees, which, you see, is a good achievement.

Mitsubishi Electric and Daikin air conditioners can operate even at temperatures of -25 degrees

When constant air conditioning is required, special equipment is used: a drainage heating element that serves to drain the liquid; a heater for the compressor, which prevents the oil from freezing and the refrigerant boiling up; a fan speed retarder to prevent freezing of the internal parts of the device. This kit can be equipped with most high-quality machines, but only a technician can do this. If uninterrupted operation of the device is required up to -15 (in the absence of wind up to -25 degrees), then you need to contact the service center. Here you will not only be equipped with adapted equipment, but also will be provided with warranty service. It is possible to expand the temperature range, but this is an unjustified risk when operating equipment.

Heat transfer scheme by the device

Possible problems with improper operation

Turning on conventional equipment in winter can lead to a number of troubles, and their nature depends on the mode in which you operated it, what was the temperature outside.

Heating mode, temperature below -5 degrees

• the external block from the condensate released during operation begins to be covered with an ice crust;
• heat transfer deteriorates, heat output decreases;
• liquid refrigerant can enter the compressor and cause damage.

Cooling mode, temperature +5 degrees and below

• the external block and the drainage tube freeze;
• compressor performance decreases;
• the risk of compressor breakdown increases when the air conditioner is turned on.

Preparing a household air conditioner for winter operation

If the air conditioner does not turn on in winter, or rather, its operation is not planned, then it is worth preparing it for the cold weather. For this you need:

1. turn on the split system in the "Ventilation" mode for 2-2.5 hours to remove moisture from the heat exchanger of the indoor unit;
2. clean the filters (you can do it yourself);
3. cover the outdoor unit with waterproof material.

Checking the operation of the air conditioner in winter

And one more topical question for many remained "for a snack": "How to check the air conditioner at sub-zero temperatures?" It will be possible to check it only if the temperature outside rises to the minimum specified in the instructions or if you have a "winter kit".

If you bought and decided to install a split system in winter, when it is -25-30 degrees outside, then you should either wait for warming and then do the installation, or trust the company that sold you the climatic equipment to turn on the system in the spring.

Answering the question whether it is possible to turn on the split system in winter, the answer will be - not always. First of all, you need to focus on the instructions. In it, manufacturers indicate the maximum permissible plus and minus values ​​for work.

At what temperature to turn on the split system for cooling

The upper temperature range is 42-45 ° C. Lower - depends on the air conditioner.

Non-inverter models are allowed to be switched on up to -5 C °. In colder temperatures, the air conditioner starts to experience heavy loads. The cooling capacity drops rapidly, the condensate in the drain pipe freezes, the oil that lubricates the compressor thickens. The outdoor unit is covered with an ice coat, and as a result, the risk of breakdown of the entire system increases.

Inverter air conditioners operate in a constant mode, only reducing the speed. Therefore, they can be used for cooling down to -15C °.

To turn on the split system in severe frosts, you need to equip it with a winter kit. It will not allow the oil to thicken, freeze the outdoor unit and condensation.

If you need to be heated by a split system: at what minus can you turn on

The best option is to use an air conditioner in the off-season at + 3- + 7 C °. In this case, the performance of the device will be maximum. The system, using 1 kW of electricity, transfers 3.5 - 3.8 kW of heat from the atmosphere to the room. It is much more profitable than using a conventional heater.

When the outside temperature drops below zero, the performance of the split system becomes 1 to 1. At the same time, the compressor wears out, the device often goes into defrosting mode.

Why does the air conditioner work poorly in frost for heating? Because it does not generate heat, it only transfers it. Accordingly, the higher the temperature outside, the more heat can be taken from there. When it is -15 C ° outside, very little heat can be transferred from such air.

At what disadvantage is it impossible to turn on the split system

It is allowed to turn on the air conditioner in frosts at a temperature that will be 2-3 degrees higher than the permissible one. This is called the start-up temperature. For example, the instructions state that the device can operate at t up to -15 C °. It is allowed to turn it on when it becomes at least 13 ° frost outside the window. After switching on, the device will go into defrosting mode, and then it will work in accordance with the settings.

Which air conditioner to choose for heating in winter

For those who are wondering how many degrees a split system can be turned on, it is fundamentally important, Japanese manufacturers have released a completely new series of Mitsubishi Zubadan systems. This is the only model that can be operated at -28 ° C.

The Zubadan series maintains high heating performance down to -15 ° C. With a decrease in t to -28 C °, productivity falls by only 20%. These air conditioners are widely used for heating in Japan and northern European countries.

What to do with conventional air conditioners in winter

For a simple system, preservation for the winter would be the best solution. After turning on the heating, you can prepare the device for wintering. For this:

If you have a service contract, experts will prepare for the winter more thoroughly:

• Freon is pumped into the street block.
• Completely de-energize the system.
• Install a visor over the outdoor unit to protect it from icicles.

Thus, when asked whether it is possible to turn on the split system in frosty weather, we will answer that it is better not to be done unless absolutely necessary. This will extend the life of the appliance and reduce the risk of breakage to a minimum.

Modern split systems and mobile units are capable of not only cooling the air, but also heating 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 the split system for heat

Any split system is not a heating device, there is no heating element in it, so there will be little climate control system to maintain a comfortable temperature. This is due to the peculiarities of the principles of its functioning. only at certain values ​​of the thermometer outside.

Most splits can produce warm air. In general terms, this process can be called the reverse of freon, in which the compressor is responsible for pumping it towards the room: heat is taken from the outside and carried inside. Changing the refrigerant stroke requires a four-way valve that swaps the evaporator and condenser positions. In the indoor unit, freon condensation 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 heating mode, the efficiency of the air conditioner is greatly reduced, which makes it ineffective at street temperatures closer to zero marks.

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

Outside Temperature Range Limitations

The majority of air conditioners with a heating function have certain limitations: manufacturers produce climatic 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 started. It can be concluded that it is impossible to use an air conditioner for heating in winter. In the best case, it will be possible to warm up in this way until November.

Failure to comply with the recommendations given in the instructions and during installation leads to wear and tear in a 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 the unacceptable temperature values ​​of the heat exchanger, and the device is blocked from turning on. In extreme cases, only the fan will work, or one of the error codes will be displayed - each brand has its own codes.

How to turn on and adjust the air conditioner for warm air

If the outdoor temperature is correct, turn on the air conditioner using the ON button on the remote control or on the external panel.

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

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

After setting the desired temperature, the fan will turn on, and then warm air will begin to flow. The preset 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 are attached to the device upon purchase.

Operational problems and risks

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

• the efficiency of the system will decrease significantly;
• the condenser of the outdoor unit will freeze;
• the fan of the outdoor unit will break;
• the oil will thicken, causing the compressor to break during system start-up.

Efficiency and thermal efficiency of air conditioners

The efficiency of an air conditioner is understood as an assessment of the efficiency of the system. The calculation of this value is made from the ratio of consumed and useful power. In this case, the useful power is the amount of reduced heat per unit of time. We can talk about efficient operation 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 consumed energy by 2-4 times. If the power consumption is 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 real 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 consumption power.

If the thermal power is 3.5 kW, and the consumption is 1.2 kW, then the efficiency will be approximately 2.9 kW. This is considered to be quite high performance. If the outside temperature drops, the energy consumption increases accordingly, and the coefficient drops noticeably. A ratio of less than 2.4 is considered low. Devices with such values ​​are labeled below A-class.

Winter kit

There are two myths about the efficient heating of air conditioners in the winter cold.

The first myth: when installing a winter kit on an air conditioner with a heating function, it can be used 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.

A standard winter kit consists of three elements:

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

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

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

The second myth: the purchase of a modern air conditioner with a built-in winter kit and an anti-icing program will allow it to function 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 the semi-industrial series will be able to heat the room. In addition to the built-in heater of the drain pan, they have an enlarged heat exchanger. These 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 programmed room heating in cold weather:

In modern conditions for the production of climatic technology, there is an opportunity to use an air conditioner for heating, but the purchase of an all-season split will cost much more.

Mobile air conditioner as winter heater

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

To heat the air, a heating element is installed in most monoblocks - a built-in electric heater. The compressor works the other way around: cold air comes out into the pipe, and hot air into the room. At the same time, electricity consumption increases significantly. Accordingly, the efficiency of work decreases, and heating with a mobile air conditioner becomes costly.

At the same time, there are three significant advantages:

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

An accurate thermostat is placed in a monoblock with 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 heating function. The most famous among them:

Selecting an air conditioner with a 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;