Basic understanding of the heating function of the air conditioner
The principle of operation of a split system for heating is a decrease (!) in the temperature of the air taken from the street. Air will be taken, for example, with a temperature value of -16, and given back in an even colder state, reaching up to -25. The difference is used for heat transfer: the resulting warm air enters the room.
However, will the device have enough power for the full implementation of such a task? It is important to know: if the temperature on the street turns out to be significantly below zero, then the compressor simply does not have enough strength to heat the air - wear and tear will begin. And if the equipment works at its maximum, it is already fraught with the risk of breakage.
So, the first condition is the temperature outside the window. Using an air conditioner as a heater is appropriate for regions with a mild climate. And for most of our country, such equipment should be used only in the off-season, in autumn or spring.
The operation of the air conditioner for heating in winter can be dangerous and freeze the drain hose. In this case, the condensate will begin to drain into the building. Today, manufacturers are trying to solve the problem by installing a 20-watt heater in the technique. The blocking system also works well: the equipment turns off when the temperature drops sharply.
Advantages and disadvantages of a split system for heating
To heat or not with the help of an air conditioner - each user decides for himself in private. But if the decision turned out to be positive, then you can be sure that the air will not dry out, as when using heaters. There are other advantages:
- environmentally friendly application (no CO2 emissions);
- heat will be produced three times more than electricity consumed.
But besides improving the microclimate, there are also "pitfalls". You should definitely be aware of them with constant use.
- Wear of the device will occur 3-5 times faster. This will happen due to thickened oil, which will lose its properties.
- There is a trend to replace the refrigerant - R410, which is safer for the ozone layer, will be in use. This requires the installation of more advanced compressors.
- The performance of the device will be two times less than the nominal.
- Air conditioning for heating in winter often fails.
At what minus temperature can you turn on the air conditioner for cooling
“For cooling” it is allowed to use a split system to small low temperatures (-3 - -5˚С) (it is necessary to specify in the instruction manual). This limitation is due to the fact that
- the oil in the compressor is thick, and turning on the air conditioner can lead to its failure.
- the water at the outlet of the drainage may freeze, which will lead to a “heat” of the indoor unit.
The "heating" mode at a positive temperature is very effective in the autumn-spring period (when the main heating is not turned on). The operation of the air conditioner "for heat" is unacceptable at temperatures below zero. For these purposes, it is necessary to use other devices. For example, heat pumps, convectors, heaters, etc.
Good to know: Damage to the air conditioner due to non-compliance with temperature parameters is not covered by the warranty. In winter, it is better to turn off the air conditioner from the "network". And if it is likely that icicles (or a large amount of snow) will fall on the external unit, it is imperative to protect the air conditioner with a visor or at least something cover.
Any air conditioner is designed to cool the air in the room. But in the cold season, for many users, this device works for heating.However, before you start operating the equipment in this way, you need to understand how to properly start the heating with an air conditioner. This information will help prevent errors in the operation of expensive equipment.
Is it possible to use air conditioning in the apartment in winter
To work at high negative temperatures "for cooling" - you can put the so-called "winter kit". Its task is to heat the drainage and the compressor crankcase; adjust the condensing temperature. Some (more expensive) air conditioners already have all the options for operation at low temperatures. This is true for premises in which there is a constant, year-round heat release (server rooms, stations, etc.)
Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter?
Based on the foregoing, the split system can be turned on “for heat” above 0 degrees Celsius (unless a different value is set by the manufacturer, or an additional kit is not installed). This restriction is provided to prevent icing of the fan and condenser of the outdoor unit. In addition, with a further decrease in temperature, the efficiency of the air conditioner (COP) is significantly reduced.
How to choose the right model
How the heated air conditioner works will depend on the correct selection of the model.
Here it is important to pay attention to the characteristics of COP (ratio of heating power to consumed) and EER (cooling / consumption ratio):
- COP in home models should be 2.8-4;
- for EER, this figure can be 2.5-3.5 units.
Regardless of the recommendations, it will be necessary to mount this type of equipment individually, taking into account the characteristics of the room. At the same time, it will be important to calculate the possible heat losses that come from windows and doors. It is in these places that it would be reasonable to create a thermal curtain. A little about control: the equipment will be switched either from the remote control or manually. Heating can be set automatically.
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