How to turn on the air conditioner for heating: the specifics of setting the system to heat

What should I do if the heating does not turn on?

If the warm mode on the air conditioner does not turn on, then there are several reasons for this. Even if the device is turned on, but the air in the room is cold, it means that either the unit is not intended for heating the room, or it is faulty. First you need to make sure that the equipment is configured correctly, so you need to go through the entire procedure for setting up the operation of the device on the remote control. After that, after 5 minutes maximum, we bring our hand to the unit to check. If hot air comes out, then the air conditioner is working.

If the equipment does not respond to the remote control commands, then it may be necessary to replace the batteries, clean the sockets where they are inserted.Also, the problem may be due to the fact that the buttons do not work well.

If the control panel is in good condition, the following causes of equipment failure are possible:

• refrigerant leak;
• breakage of the switch valve;
• failure of the electronic system of the unit.

If the equipment cannot work due to a failure of the electronic system, then it just needs to be rebooted. To do this, disconnect the device from the power supply and turn it on again. If after that the problems with the work persist, you need the help of a qualified service center specialist.

The unit may not work due to the fact that the outdoor air temperature is significantly lower than the minimum value at which the air conditioner can operate. This is due to the freezing of the lubricating oil and the formation of frost in the outdoor unit. However, there are models of modern climatic equipment on sale that can operate in the temperature range from -30 ° C to + 30 ° C.

Typically, the air conditioner is used as a heating device in the off-season or during cold weather in the summer. Such equipment compares favorably with heaters in that it consumes electricity economically. If, when switching the device to heating mode, take into account the air temperature outside the house, turn on the unit only in the permitted temperature range, then there should not be any problems in its operation.

Turn on the system in heating mode

When operating a split system, try not to use the random poke method, study the Instructions, because there are many models on the market and each manufacturer of this product tries to bring its own zest to the simple rules of operation.

We will try to describe several options for setting the air conditioner to heat and bringing it to the state we need.

# Option one

There must be a "MODE" key on the remote control. It can be located under the cover. If you still found it, click on it until you see the “sun” icon or the inscription “HEAT”.

On this remote control, the “MODE” key we need is clearly visible, with which you can switch the operating modes of the air conditioner

Using the “+” and “-” buttons, we will select such a temperature regime at which we will feel comfortable. Do not forget that for all the actions that you perform, the remote control must be directed towards the device, which will receive the signals sent to it and respond to them with a sound emitted.

You can make all the specified settings on the remote control, and then send it to the air conditioner by pressing the "ON" button. The desired changes must occur within five minutes.

When switched to heating mode, the fan in the indoor unit will not turn on immediately.

# Option two

You took a good look at your remote control, but you didn’t find the “MODE” key either on it or under the cover. But you see the icons "droplet", "fan", "snowflake" and "sun". We need the "sun", and we choose it.

On this diagram of the remote control from the HITACHI air conditioner, pictograms in the form of the sun, snowflakes and droplets are clearly visible (+)

We set the temperature so that it is higher than the one that is already in the room. For example, if you are now +18°C, set +25°C to feel the difference right away. Again, we make sure that the signal is received by the system.With a wireless remote control, the answer will be a sound, with a wired remote control, a light bulb will light up on the front of the unit.

After about five minutes, you should feel the result of your tuning.

# Option three

There are no keys labeled "MODE", "HEAT" on the remote control. The “sun” icon is also not found, although the “fan”, “snowflake” and, possibly, “droplet” are present.

This indicates that your model is not designed for space heating. Do not demand from her what she is not able to give you.

# Option four

The desired mode can be set directly on the air conditioner. To do this, turn on the device by pressing the power button. Let's find the mode selection key "MODE", with which we set the mode of operation we need.

We press this key until the required “HEAT” (heating) appears. As a rule, this function will be the fifth one after automatic mode, cooling, drying and ventilation.

Now to us you need a remote controlto set the desired temperature. With it, you can also order the desired fan speed of the device.

Pay attention to the operating temperature range, which in the form of a plate is probably indicated for your specific model in the Instructions. Please follow these manufacturer's recommendations to enjoy a properly functioning split system for as long as possible.

# Option five (sad)

It does not matter when the system does not provide heating for the simple reason that it is not included in the list of its functions. But this is certainly an inexpensive model that will definitely delight you on hot summer days. It is much worse when you have purchased an expensive model and you know for sure that it is simply obliged to work for heating, but you cannot start the process.

At the same time, you did all the necessary operations in full accordance with the Instructions, which you still had to look into, but the result was not obtained not only after five promised minutes, but even after an hour. Checking the batteries in the remote control did not clarify the situation: they turned out to be serviceable.

Well, you have to repair the air conditioner. Perhaps the cause of the breakdown was the incorrect installation of the device, which should be performed only by people who know what and how will work later. And now, if you do not want to completely destroy the device, disconnect it from the power source and look for the master. Further operation of the device is not yet possible.

Selection and Installation Tips

A model that is considered as a candidate for the role of a heating system must be able to direct the air flow vertically downwards. After all, it makes no sense to heat the ceiling. When warm air moves down, the entire volume of the room warms up, correct circulation flows are created.

For heating with an air conditioner, the air flow must be directed vertically downwards.

There are recommendations for installing the indoor unit of the air conditioner used as a heater. This height is not more than 0.5 m from the floor. But here you need to find a reasonable compromise. Yes, when heating, such an installation will be rational. But if the air conditioner is used in two modes, the flow of cold air over the legs will not please.

If we consider models of the budget segment, they show performance in frosts of -5 ... -7 degrees. When trying to turn on such a device at -20, one of several basic situations may occur:

• the device will not start when the environmental sensor is triggered;
• the device starts, but its efficiency will be zero;
• the appliance will cool the air in heating mode.

2 Winter work

Manufacturers advise putting the device in storage in winter, since the colder it is, the worse it works. In frosty weather, the following serious violations occur in the air conditioner:

1. 1. Frost appears on the heat exchanger, which causes it to lose power.
2. 2. The defrosting system of the indoor unit is constantly turned on, due to which ice build-up is formed inside the compressor and the fan blades are destroyed.
3. 3. The heat exchanger does not work well, and the refrigerant does not have time to evaporate. It flows into the compressor through the drain pipes and causes water hammer.
4. 4. Malfunctions lead to overheating of the compressor, after which it freezes and fails.

How to turn on the air conditioner for heat

I want to say right away that if you make a mistake somewhere, then nothing terrible will happen! You just have to wait and do it all over again.

1. Turn on the air conditioner by pressing the "on / off" button once.

We wait a few seconds until the blinds open and the fan of the indoor unit starts to rotate;

1. Then we press the mode switch button as many times as we switch to the sun icon or the inscription “heat” (which means “heat”).

After that, the air conditioner may stop the fan rotation or close the blinds (this will happen if the air conditioner was not already set to heat). What else will happen to the air conditioner, I will write a little lower, but now it does not matter. But at this moment we are already moving on to the next setting (to the third point)!

1. While the air conditioner is being “reconfigured” with the temperature adjustment buttons, we set the degrees to 30. Let it be so for now, and after 20 minutes, adjust it for yourself (I recommend 25-30 degrees).

1. Next, use the shaft rotation adjustment button to set any speed convenient for you;

1. We also set the position that is most convenient for you with the button for adjusting the blinds. Then the most difficult thing is to WAIT until the long-awaited warmth blows from the air conditioner. Then we set up the air conditioner comfortably for ourselves. Read more about the choice of temperature, as well as the last two points, read the article on how to use the air conditioner correctly;

Now let's get back to the second point. I want to explain in simple user language so that you are not afraid that something strange is happening with the air conditioner. There is nothing strange in his behavior! Just after switching the mode, the air conditioner operation algorithm changes, and it redirects the movement of the refrigerant (now you can not delve into this!). There is a temperature control of radiators and other processes that are not important for our article

The most important thing for this article is only that you need to wait 10 minutes and do not press anything extra

But there are a few features that should not be forgotten when turning on for heating:

• when working on heat, the “split” fan may stop periodically (to heat the radiator). Don't be scared! In most cases, this is his normal job;
• if you don’t know at what outdoor temperatures your particular model can be used, then I don’t advise you to turn it on at negative outdoor temperatures. Some air conditioners have protection for these cases, so they may not start. For more information on this issue, read the article on the possibility of turning on the air conditioner in winter;
• if the current temperature in the room is higher than you set, then it will not “warm up”;
• when setting up, point the remote control towards the air conditioner so that it receives a signal. Otherwise, it may turn out that the settings on the remote control are changed, and the air conditioner operates in the same mode;
• there are models that work only for cooling, although such samples have recently come across extremely rarely. At the same time, other modes can be displayed on the remote control. Specify the possibility of working on heat specifically for your model;
• if after all my recommendations it was not possible to start the device for heat, then contact the specialists. Perhaps something is out of order.

If during the cold period you were freezing when you didn’t have an air conditioner, then with its purchase you will immediately feel the difference. The heat that an air conditioner provides you is cheaper than any heater

And more importantly, the temperature is very precisely maintained at the same time.

Finally, I will leave a link to another useful article about air conditioning heating.

I look forward to your comments and additions!

Airing the air-conditioned room

There is another important thing to consider. The air conditioner does not interact with the outside air in any way. He drives the same air around the room, and the external installation is only responsible for removing excess heat from the room.

Between the indoor and outdoor unit of the air conditioner, only the refrigerant moves, as a rule, it is freon. It removes excess heat from the room, but does not renew the air

Air exchange is also important for maintaining comfortable indoor conditions. And if you do not ventilate the room for a long time, then the level of oxygen will decrease, and the level of carbon dioxide will increase.Of course, this is not fatal, but a lack of oxygen can cause a feeling of fatigue and drowsiness.

Be sure to turn off the air conditioner before ventilating the room. Open windows and, if possible, doors. This creates a draft, but allows the air to be updated very quickly. It is desirable that at this moment there was no one in the room, especially children. If there is no opportunity to free the room, then it is better to limit yourself to windows.

We said above that when the air conditioner is on, it is necessary to close the windows, and when airing, turn off the air conditioner. Let's see why this needs to be done.

Modern air conditioners do not blow all the time with a given power. They cool the room to a predetermined temperature, after which they begin to work to maintain it. This makes it possible not to wear out the resource of equipment and filters so quickly and save energy.

If the windows are opened when the air conditioner is on, then active air exchange will begin to occur in the room. Hot air from the street will replace the cooled air in the room. In this case, the air conditioner will operate at full capacity, in fact, cooling the street.

Powerful models may be able to maintain the set temperature even with the windows open, but this will lead to their rapid wear.

If you forget about it once, then nothing terrible will happen. However, by doing this on a regular basis, there is a high chance of being left without an air conditioner and with a huge electricity bill.

We also recommend reading our other article, where we described in detail the principle of the air conditioner.

The main modes of operation of the split system

Basically, air conditioners have 5 modes of operation:

Cooling

According to statistics, this mode is in the greatest demand among all the others. Almost everyone has heard about this mode. Cooling keeps the room cool and comfortable on hot days. This is a godsend not only for residential premises, but also for shops, offices and other premises. Some people, when buying an air conditioner, do not know about the existence of other modes. But after consulting with the seller and learning about other functions, they are delighted.

dehumidification

The air conditioner operating in the "drying" mode has a positive effect on various rooms with high humidity. In this mode, the humidity of the air is significantly reduced without changing the temperature in the room.

Ventilation

Turning on the "ventilation" mode does not heat the air, and also does not reduce the air temperature and humidity. The mode promotes air circulation in the room. When installing special filters - the air is purified. A very useful device, because you can ventilate the room with the help of an air conditioner, without the use of the usual opening of windows by everyone.

Auto

During automatic mode, the air conditioner regulates the set room temperature. Namely: a person sets a certain temperature, and the split system regulates it. Nothing else needs to be configured, since the device itself will support the specified characteristics.

Heat

The principle of operation of the air conditioner in heating mode is simple - the air temperature in the room is heated to the set temperature. But since this mode is used in frost, there are a number of nuances that need to be considered in more detail.

The air conditioner heats the air and can be used for heating

Why air conditioners have different operating temperatures

Air conditioners with heating differ both in technical indicators of power and thermal efficiency, and in the permissible temperature range of use. Devices with a classic compressor circuit (non-inverter) are not recommended to be turned on when, so to speak, the weather parameters are out of range.

This not only leads to a loss of warranty, but can increase the chance of an air conditioner failure up to 100% - it will burn out directly in the first seconds after the start command.

Consider what happens in the device of the classical circuit with heating.

1. Lubricant circulates in the system, which is not in a closed circuit, in contact with the coolant - freon.
2. When the temperature drops, the grease thickens.
3. When the air and, accordingly, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner are cooled below a certain limit, the stratification of the lubricant and freon in the liquid state begins, the latter begins to rise up and can enter the oil circuit.

The main drawback of the classic compressor cooling system is the unstable circulation of oil. In that period of time, when the air conditioner has reached the specified parameters of the microclimate in the room and turned off, the oil flows into the accumulator. When heating is required and the engine has to be started in winter, the thickened lubricant is slowly removed and the compressor is forced to work with a sharply increased load.

In the case when, as a result of the separation of freon and oil, the first one entered the lubrication circuit, the air conditioner blower may burn out immediately at the time of start-up.The negative temperature also plays the role of a brake: ball bearings and seals can freeze. To avoid problems, many cunning sellers advise you to purchase a special winter kit for retrofitting the air conditioner. The usefulness and rationality of such a decision will be discussed later.

Things are better with inverter air conditioners. Here, the allowable lower temperature limit is more significant, since the compressor does not turn off, changing speed and forcing the oil to circulate constantly. At the same time, it maintains a relatively stable temperature of the entire system, mixing with freon and taking away part of the heat from it.

The nuances of operation in the cold season

Our goal is to keep warm without damaging the appliance we are about to use. To achieve it is very simple - you need to listen to the opinion of the manufacturer, which is contained in the Instructions for Use of the product.

The document indicates the temperature range in which the product will operate efficiently and stably. For most models - from minus 5 to plus 25 ° C.

But in the summer we often turn on the air conditioner even at high ambient temperatures. The consequences of such an excess of regime temperatures are a decrease in the performance of the device. However, it does not go out of order. In winter, violation of the recommended operating mode can lead to very disastrous results.

Why is this happening? In the most popular models, the condenser and compressor are located in the outdoor unit.

When the temperature drops below that stated in the Instructions, the aggregate state of the oil in the compressor crankcase also changes: it becomes thicker, ceases to envelop the moving elements of the device.This negatively affects their operational resource.

An icy outdoor unit of a split system indicates that the operation of this unit is delayed until it is completely freed from ice captivity

By the way, in the summer, violation of the regime also does not go completely without a trace. If the outdoor unit of the system is located on the sunny side, it is subject to severe overheating, in which the oil can also thicken. At the same time, rubbing parts, devoid of lubrication, wear out faster.

When performing the heating function, heat from the environment must be transferred to the room. This refrigerant, moving through the condenser of the outdoor unit (or evaporator), receives it from the outdoor air. If the temperature of this air is too low, the freon does not heat up as it should, and the thermal efficiency of the split system drops.

In addition, the evaporator-condenser and compressor heat up during operation. Upon contact with cold air masses, the surface of the parts is covered with condensate, which quickly turns into ice deposits. Under such conditions, the device simply stops working.

However, this is not the only reason for its failure. Frosty air leads to a failure in the phase transitions of the refrigerant. In the evaporator, freon does not go into a gaseous state, as it should be according to operating conditions. Entering the compressor in this state, it is capable of causing water hammer.

The reason for the icing of the device can be not only errors in the mode of its operation, but also precipitation, from which the same visor saves, which protected the device in time

When the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, a large amount of air flows through it.When it comes into contact with the surfaces of the condenser and evaporator, condensate is formed, which is discharged to the outside by means of a drainage system. For drainage, a hose is used, located in a downward direction at an angle.

By turning on the device for cooling in winter, we risk getting a plug of frozen water in the drain hose. Condensate that has ceased to be discharged to the outside will inevitably enter the air conditioner, disrupting its operation.

Of course, expanding the temperature range for the safe operation of products is one of the top priorities for manufacturers of all models. For this, for example, oil heating systems in the compressor or drainage heating are introduced. The result is impressive.

For example, TOSHIBA products that are specially designed for Nordic countries can operate well at -20°C.

1 Air conditioner does not heat in severe frost

Why does the air conditioner not blow warm air when it is very cold outside? There is a perfectly logical explanation for this. For some models, operation in heating mode is not allowed below the set temperature. This leads to freezing of condensate, the formation of an ice crust and, if the device is not turned off, the compressor will fail due to overload. Before operating such a complex device as a split system, be sure to read the instructions. Manufacturers clearly prescribe the conditions under which the split system can work for heating. Many models must not be operated at temperatures below 5 degrees Celsius. Exceeding the permissible modes of operation of the air conditioner threatens with serious damage to the device.

The exception is inverter type air conditioners. What type of compressor can operate at 20 degrees below zero. The inverter system of the air conditioner is equipped with the option of soft start of the heating mode. Malfunctions in the operation of the air conditioner during the heating function can occur for various reasons. Let's consider some of them:

• If, when the air conditioner is turned on, the compressor runs, and unheated air comes out of the indoor unit, but does not turn on in heating mode, then the cause of the malfunction is more likely to be the failure of the four-way valve. This small detail plays a very important role in the device of the air conditioner. It is thanks to this valve that the transition from heating to cooling and vice versa is carried out. And accordingly, if the valve is out of order, there will be no heating.
• In cases where an air jet enters, which indicates that the fan is working, but the compressor is not working, the cause lies in the compressor malfunction. The way to eliminate such a breakdown is to replace or repair the compressor.
• Sometimes the lack of operation of the air conditioner for heating may be due to the freezing of condensate if a dehumidifying filter is not installed in this model. In this case, the air conditioner will work fine in cooling mode, but will not give warm air. This happens when the outside temperature is too low (Fig. 1).

Rice. 1 Outdoor unit icing

• Problems with the power supply of the electric coil can also cause a lack of operation in heating mode.
• Mechanical contamination of the filter and fan blades can cause the heating function to fail (Fig. 2). The air conditioner filter requires regular cleaning and maintenance.If this is not done, a dirty filter will lead to malfunction of many components, causing malfunctions of the device.

Rice. 2 Mechanical contamination of the air conditioner

Why the air conditioner does not heat up will be exactly told by the service center master after the diagnosis. There are cases when a breakdown can only be repaired by repair engineers using special equipment. Such breakdowns include problems with freon. Freon is a gas used as a refrigerant and circulating in the evaporator system, which is the indoor unit of the air conditioner.

Why does the air conditioner not want to heat if the breakdowns described above are not observed? Most likely the reason for the failure is a problem with freon. The most common failures are:

• One of the reasons for the failure of freon circulation may be the failure of the electrical board responsible for the circulation of the refrigerant. In this case, the board needs to be replaced or repaired. It won't work without a specialist.
• The operation of air conditioners in adverse conditions at low temperatures is prohibited by the manufacturer. If this condition is neglected, ice may form in the freon circuit of the air conditioner and ice plugs. It is very difficult to melt the cork just like that, sometimes you have to wait for favorable weather conditions for natural thawing.
• Damage to the freon circuit and gas leakage. This happens if cracks and defects appear in the freon circuit of the air conditioner, accompanied by a refrigerant leak. The fact that a freon leak has occurred can be understood by examining the junction between the blocks. Freon leakage is indicated by the appearance of ice on the fittings of the outdoor unit.The lack of freon in the circuit leads to an overvoltage of the compressor, which can cause it to break. The compressor is a very expensive part of the air conditioner, its replacement cost is half of the device itself. Therefore, you need to be very careful and timely refuel freon, as well as periodically conduct a technical inspection of the entire air conditioner. In cases of such a malfunction, the air conditioner requires refueling of freon, for which you will have to call a wizard who will refuel freon and eliminate damage to the circuit.

Step by step: how to turn on the air conditioner for heat

I want to say right away that if you make a mistake somewhere, then nothing terrible will happen! You just have to wait and do it all over again.

1. Turn on the air conditioner by pressing the "on / off" button once.

We wait a few seconds until the blinds open and the fan of the indoor unit starts to rotate;

1. Then we press the mode switch button as many times as we switch to the sun icon or the inscription “heat” (which means “heat”).

After that, the air conditioner may stop the fan rotation or close the blinds (this will happen if the air conditioner was not already set to heat). What else will happen to the air conditioner, I will write a little lower, but now it does not matter. But at this moment we are already moving on to the next setting (to the third point)!

1. While the air conditioner is being “reconfigured” with the temperature adjustment buttons, we set the degrees to 30. Let it be so for now, and after 20 minutes, adjust it for yourself (I recommend 25-30 degrees).

1. Next, use the shaft rotation adjustment button to set any speed convenient for you;

Now let's get back to the second point.I want to explain in simple user language so that you are not afraid that something strange is happening with the air conditioner. There is nothing strange in his behavior! Just after switching the mode, the air conditioner operation algorithm changes, and it redirects the movement of the refrigerant (now you can not delve into this!). There is a temperature control of radiators and other processes that are not important for our article

The most important thing for this article is only that you need to wait 10 minutes and do not press anything extra

But there are a few features that should not be forgotten when turning on for heating:

• when working on heat, the “split” fan may stop periodically (to heat the radiator). Don't be scared! In most cases, this is his normal job;
• if you don’t know at what outdoor temperatures your particular model can be used, then I don’t advise you to turn it on at negative outdoor temperatures. Some air conditioners have protection for these cases, so they may not start. For more information on this issue, read the article on the possibility of turning on the air conditioner in winter;
• if the current temperature in the room is higher than you set, then it will not “warm up”;
• when setting up, point the remote control towards the air conditioner so that it receives a signal. Otherwise, it may turn out that the settings on the remote control are changed, and the air conditioner operates in the same mode;
• there are models that work only for cooling, although such samples have recently come across extremely rarely. At the same time, other modes can be displayed on the remote control. Specify the possibility of working on heat specifically for your model;
• if after all my recommendations it was not possible to start the device for heat, then contact the specialists.Perhaps something is out of order.

If during the cold period you were freezing when you didn’t have an air conditioner, then with its purchase you will immediately feel the difference. The heat that an air conditioner provides you is cheaper than any heater

And more importantly, the temperature is very precisely maintained at the same time.

But if the temperature outside does not correspond to the operating conditions of the air conditioner, then it will no longer help. In this case, only traditional heaters can help out, a large selection of which is in the most popular store in any city (I leave a link to the section with heaters, where good discounts are now offered)!

Looking forward to your additions!