Most manufacturers experience air conditioning in winter at a minimum temperature of -9 degrees. This is due to the small demand for climate technology in countries with cold winters. Nevertheless, many brands of air conditioners manufactured in Japan or Europe, quite cope with heating and in more severe frosts. If you convert them a bit.
The use of air conditioners in winter is associated with several features. Nevertheless, in many European countries it was calculated that an air conditioner operating as a heating device in winter saves money and creates additional conveniences for residents.
Considering the need to save resources, manufacturers began to equip air conditioners operating for heating in winter with economical and efficient heat pumps.
Air conditioning operation for heating
When the air conditioner operates in winter for heating, its efficiency is significantly reduced. This is because the temperature in the street is close to the evaporation temperature of freon, which entails a decrease in cooling power.
If you equip the air conditioner working in winter with a special kit, the performance of the cold practically does not change. For this, the condensation pressure is monitored. Pressure should have indications equal to street, at a temperature of -20 degrees. This is achieved by specially adjusting the fan speed of the outdoor unit. It is important to ensure that the crankcase oil is heated to +10 degrees. The compressor temperature during operation never drops below +30 degrees, however, to start it, the crankcase must be warmed up. Now it becomes clear why, starting at -15 the compressor does not stop at -25 degrees. Then how to start it at -25 will not work.
Features of the air conditioner in winter
When the air conditioner is used for heating in winter, an ice coat freezes on the outdoor unit. She threatens the fan blades. To prevent freezing, many models are equipped with an option to defrost the outdoor module.
The air conditioner starts heating in winter, but for some time it works in the cold to warm the external module. Having done this, the equipment switches to heating mode.
Should I use air conditioning for heating in winter?
Standard household air conditioning is used for heating only during the off-season, but not in winter. Therefore, when the air temperature drops below -5 degrees, it is advisable to switch to other heat sources.
If there are no other heating options, you should install an air conditioner with a winter kit, designed to work at a temperature of -20 or below. Such "Arctic" appliances work for heating all winter in the heat pump mode. It should be borne in mind that even the most modern air conditioners in the winter give out 2.1 kilowatts of cold per kilowatt of energy consumed in this mode.
