Any air conditioner has certain restrictions on operating temperatures, that is, established limits for cooling and heating in the summer and winter.
Operating temperature ranges for different split systems
If we consider the averaged standard values, then the optimal functioning of the device occurs at the thermometer marks of about + 20-27 ° C. Under such conditions, an increased load on the main components of the system, and most importantly on the compressor, which, when operating at maximum power, wears out its potential earlier than expected, is eliminated.
There is a significant variation in the permissible operating temperatures of the air conditioner. This is due to the fact that some systems are equipped with many additional monitoring sensors, while others have only two in the indoor unit. In the former, the lower limit of the norm can vary within completely different limits.
The bulk of air conditioners has a standard range of operating temperatures at which the manufacturer allows them to be turned on.
Cooling occurs at elevations on the outdoor thermometer from +18 to + 45 ° C. Heating is acceptable at temperatures between +18 and -5 ° C.
Exceptions may be only some expensive brands like MITSUBISHI or DAIKIN, which produce a series of split systems with an extended range of operating temperatures for both cooling and heating. This technique is capable of uninterrupted operation at -25 ° C for cold / heat, as well as cooling during summer heat at + 55 ° C.
But the precision technique is best manifested when it comes to the maximum or minimum temperature of the air conditioner. It can operate year-round with an accuracy of 0.5 ° C.
Features of using air conditioners with different temperature parameters
Usually, the air conditioner can withstand the extremely low temperatures thanks to the integrated winter kit, which consists of heating the drainage hose, heating the compressor housing and the electronic board.
But it is worth remembering that even the extended range of operating temperatures of the air conditioner does not make it possible to use it for heating in winter. If the user ignores the established restrictions of the temperature for cooling / heating the air conditioner, this leads to a decrease in efficiency and loss of efficiency, and also threatens:
- icing of both blocks;
- freezing of the drainage tube;
- condensation in the room;
- damage to the compressor and fan blades.
Most split systems are designed to operate at average annual temperatures and can be used as heaters during the fall season before turning on central heating or in emergency situations.
If we compare the on / off and inverter models, then the former have a minimum minimum cooling temperature of the air conditioner of -5 ° C, while the latter - up to -15 ° C.
Speaking of heating the air in cold weather, it should be noted that for split systems it is unrealistic. An exception is monoblock conditioners - window and mobile systems. They can be used as heaters in winter, since the “warm” models are equipped with powerful heating elements and function as fan heaters when starting up in heating mode.
Be sure to take into account the location of the device during installation. No matter what temperature the air conditioner is turned on, it should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
If it is not possible to install the system in a dark place, a protective visor must be mounted. Even if the operating temperatures of the air conditioner are maximally expanded (up to + 55 ° C), shelter from the sun is necessary, since continuous operation at maximum capabilities quickly leads to compressor wear.
Split system temperature sensors
It has already been said that air conditioners are equipped with special temperature sensors that monitor both outdoor and indoor indicators, as well as values inside the device itself.
Modern split systems have a developed self-diagnosis system, the elements of which are thermal sensors. The main ones are two sensors: air temperature sensors and an indoor unit evaporator. They determine the operation algorithm depending on the selected mode. It is with such temperature sensors that air conditioners are equipped in the simplest configuration.
More expensive systems are equipped with the following types of temperature sensors:
- outdoor temperature sensor - does not allow turning on the air conditioner at minus and plus temperatures, which are lower / higher than the permissible norm;
- condenser temperature sensor (there may be several) - is responsible for maintaining the necessary level of condensation pressure for a given mode when street conditions change;
- room temperature sensor - is responsible for maintaining the functionality of the compressor;
- evaporator temperature sensor - turns off the compressor if the temperature of the evaporator of the air conditioner drops to zero.
Some split systems have an additional function - automatic defrosting of the heat exchanger of the external unit. This is to prevent icing that causes the fan blades to break. The defrosting mode of the air conditioner is activated at minus temperatures outside. Thermosensors are also responsible for this.
Another function of modern split systems is the automatic selection of a mode, at the start of which a “comfortable” temperature is set at + 20 ° C. Sensors are also responsible for the health of the automatic installation of standard indicators.
When the outdoor temperature sensor considers that it is too hot or cold outside, the compressor will not start or the device will be suspended.
If we talk about the temperature of the evaporator of the air conditioner, here it is directly dependent on external factors - the higher the thermometer outside the room, the more intense the evaporator heats up.
For all-season splits with the compressor turned on, the difference between the air temperature and the air conditioner evaporator should be at least 5-7 ° C. When the compressor is off, these indicators change in the direction of decreasing values. When the reduction does not occur, this indicates a malfunction of the system.
During the operation of the appliance for heating, indoor air indicators are also taken into account. If the temperature sensor of the air conditioner, which is responsible for room data, shows the difference between the temperatures outside and indoors is less than 5 ° C, the compressor may automatically shut off or it will not start initially.
Ideally, when heating, the difference in temperature indicated should be between 5 and 15 ° C.
When the air conditioner is cooling, the temperature at the outlet of the indoor unit must be at least 10 ° C lower than the outside thermometer. It is worth remembering that when starting a split system, these values may not be reached immediately, so cooling is less intense.
The longer the air conditioner is on, the more optimally it cools.
Repair and replacement of temperature sensors
To make measurements you will need a conventional thermometer or ohmmeter.The data obtained from the removed sensor board is compared with the readings in the technical data sheet of the device. If there is a suspicion that a malfunction is present, then repair:
- the sensor is heated (the resistance usually decreases);
- cool it;
- and again take measurements of resistance.
Replacing the sensor is easy. A similar element is selected that is suitable for the nominal value - usually it is 5 or 10 kOhm.
The condition of the air conditioning sensors is indicated by the presence of resistance, which depends on temperature. The average standard is 25 ° C at 10 kOhm.
Not all split systems are equipped with many temperature sensors and an automatic shutdown system. When choosing a climate technology, it is worth paying attention to their number, since they extend the life of the device. Air conditioners equipped with such self-monitoring and self-diagnosis elements to a minimum are user-controlled and break more often.
