How to start the air conditioner after winter: recommendations for caring for the air conditioner after frost

First start recommendations

1. Connect the appliance to the mains. The temperature in the room should not be lower than +20 degrees.
2. Set the cooling mode to +18 (at maximum fan speed) and let the air conditioner run for 15-20 minutes.
3. After that, you can check the remote control. Start and move the "curtains", switch speeds, change the temperature regime - the device must respond to all commands without delay: change the direction of the air stream, move, etc.

It is recommended to contact a specialist in the following cases:

• If the outdoor unit is severely damaged (for example, the case was broken by a stone or as a result of an ice block falling);
• If the air is too warm;
• You hear extraneous noises, hum, percussion;
• The radiator of the outdoor unit is very dirty and you cannot clean it yourself;
• The remote does not respond to commands, but the batteries in it are fresh;
• The air conditioner refuses to start.

Heating in winter

In specialized trading establishments, a wide selection of split systems with completely different characteristics is presented. Sometimes it is difficult to choose a specific model without understanding what its distinguishing features are.

Most often, air conditioners are purchased to provide comfortable conditions in the house during the hottest period.

Potential consumers at the time of choice in such cases pay attention only to the minimum temperature indicator, forgetting that in late autumn or winter sometimes you also have to feel not very comfortable due to a decrease in temperature in the house. It is useful to study the rules for operating the air conditioner in the winter, in which you can find the answer to the question: is it possible to use equipment at low temperatures.

It is useful to study the rules for operating the air conditioner in the winter, in which you can find the answer to the question: is it possible to use equipment at low temperatures.

There are options for split systems, which the manufacturer allows to operate only when the outside air temperature has not dropped below zero. They are focused on warm regions, whose inhabitants never have to deal with severe frosts.

When purchasing a split system with heating and cooling modes, the answer to the question of whether it is possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter at sub-zero temperatures in the apartment will be positive, but it is important to take into account several factors. It is also useful to understand the principle of operation of the device during operation in heating mode:

• first, freon in liquid form enters the block located on the outside;
• under the influence of low temperatures on the street, freon evaporates, taking away part of the heat;
• with the help of a compressor, the refrigerant, already in a gaseous state, is pumped into the indoor unit;
• after that, it goes to the evaporator, in which the freon condenses, giving off heat.

During the operation of the split system, its heat exchanger, located in the outdoor unit, is excessively cooled, provoking freezing of the moisture contained in the air.

However, this is not the only problem that is useful for modern citizens to be aware of. When using the air conditioner in the winter in the apartment, there are still other features and nuances. In particular, any technique needs lubricants that can significantly reduce the friction force of the contacting parts and prevent a quick failure of the device.

The manufacturer pours oil into the air conditioning compressor. However, under the influence of low temperatures, it can change its quality characteristics, becoming thick. Unfortunately, when starting the compressor, such a thick oil will not be able to ensure the correct operation of the device, but, on the contrary, will cause it to break.

To eliminate any doubts about the question of whether it is necessary to turn on the air conditioner in winter, it is recommended to listen to the recommendations of experts.

Starting the air conditioner in heating mode will be performed correctly if all actions are performed in the following sequence:

Carefully study the instructions, especially paying attention to the paragraph, which indicates the maximum permissible temperature regime, beyond which it is not allowed.
Before turning on the air conditioner, make sure that the temperature outside does not go beyond the recommended one.
Press the heating button (it is easy to find, since it is accompanied by an icon in the form of a sun).
Using the increase and decrease keys, select the temperature to which you want to heat the interior of the apartment (experts recommend choosing the temperature, taking into account the power indicators of the unit, so as not to provoke its operation in enhanced mode).
Do not panic because after starting the unit will not produce heat for several minutes. For heating, it takes some time (sometimes even more than 10 minutes), during which the device is prepared for operation.

Professional protection of the air conditioner in the winter

To protect the air conditioner in the cold season, you should contact the professionals and mothball the equipment. As such, there is no “Conservation air conditioner” service. In service centers for the maintenance and repair of air conditioners, this is done during preventive maintenance of the device. The cost of this service will vary in the region of 2000 - 4000 rubles. As a rule, the actions of specialists consist of 3 stages:

1. Freon transfer to the outdoor unit.
2. Blocking the possibility of turning on the air conditioner (so that there is no accidental start).
3. Protection of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with a protective panel.This is necessary if it is likely to be damaged by ice or falling icicles.

How to operate the air conditioner in winter

The use of the air conditioner in winter is possible under the following conditions:

1. For the device to work safely, it must be used for its intended purpose - to cool the room. This reduces the risk of breakage.
2. A winter kit must be installed, heating the compressor and the drainage system. Even in the off-season, the temperature at night can drop 1 to 2 degrees below zero, so it will not be superfluous to secure the device if it is sometimes turned on for heating.
3. The device must have a heating function as such in order to turn it on in warm mode. In hot countries, split systems are designed for the most part for cooling, so all questions are clarified with sellers when buying.

Companies producing cooling systems direct their efforts to design a device that can work productively for cooling even in the most severe frosts. To heat a dwelling in Siberia, where frosts reach 40-50 degrees, any air conditioner will not even turn on, let alone maintain productivity.

It is recommended to operate cooling systems in specialized rooms with expensive equipment alternately. The technique is configured to automatically switch from one air conditioner to another so that they have the opportunity to rest and cool down. During periods of high load, several split systems can operate simultaneously in the server room, so all outdoor units must be equipped with heating elements for the compressor and drainage.The winter kit heats the oil first of all so that the rubbing parts do not wear out, keeps the condenser tube warm so that the liquid in it does not freeze.

Operation features

During the operation of a mobile device, the temperature regime of the external environment does not really matter. The built-in fan and heater are used for air heating. With the onset of frost, such systems for cooling are not used. They have very low efficiency. To prevent cold air from entering the room, in winter, the external outlet of the duct is closed with a plug.

Split systems are more complex. Two-component devices are used in cooling and heating mode. Therefore, they are also called reversible. But they have certain limitations:

• cold operation is possible within the temperature range from +15 to +45°C;
• the heating mode is applied if the ambient temperature does not fall below -5°C.

Similar restrictions apply to units with linear compressor control. Inverter systems can operate over wider temperature ranges. They include a low temperature kit:

• a device that slows down the rotation of the ventilation system. It protects the indoor unit from freezing;
• system for heating the drainage structure;
• a device that heats the compressor mechanism. The oil does not become thick and freon does not boil;

Disadvantages and disadvantages of winter heating

Now let's talk about the disadvantages. Do not think that by choosing a machine with the highest COP, you will get an ideal heating system that outperforms everyone else.

A significant drawback of all condos is their noisy work. There is no getting away from the noise and getting rid of it.

This is especially annoying in the bedroom. Fortunately, in modern inverters, it was possible to reduce the noise level to 20-30 dB. It's like the rustling of leaves in a slight wind.

In addition to noise, do not forget about the vibration of the external unit. If you have already decided to do winter air heating, then forget about mounting the external unit on the wall.

Place it only from below on a separate stand with a protective cover from snow.

In summer, when working in the cold, the casing is removed, otherwise the unit will “suffocate”.

Many outdoor units are placed in the basement of the house. As a result, they get a higher COP, a free refrigerator, no influence of precipitation. However, the question remains with temperature changes and how they will affect the foundation.

In addition, do not forget about the amount of liquid during defrosting. For the entire winter season, a small swamp can easily form in your basement.

Air conditioners for heat it is unprofitable to use in houses with a large area and a large number of rooms isolated from each other. Forget about closed doors with such heating.

To heat two-story cottages, you will most likely need powerful semi-industrial installations that cost several thousand dollars. Separate blocks will have to be mounted on each floor.

In houses up to 120m2, you can get by with two blocks, with a capacity of 9000-12000BTU. In general, for every 40-50m2 of open floor plan, count on at least one indoor unit.

At the same time, you still will not feel the most comfortable heating of the air.Although a thermometer hanging at eye level will show + 23C, however, an unpleasant chill in the legs, especially in distant rooms, will always haunt you.

And for young children, this is very critical.

Warm floors in this respect are great bypass air conditioners. So, if you have a young family, then most likely you should not switch to air conditioning heating. If you have adult children or you live alone, then you can safely experiment.

Another disadvantage is that in the absence of a backup heating option, a sudden failure of the external or internal unit will lead to chilling of the whole house.

Of course, it is possible to replace air conditioners with convectors for some time, but what if the electricity was cut off in cold weather?

Buy a powerful generator and switch to a backup source?

But this is again an extra cost, unnecessary hassle and a waste of time. Therefore, think over such moments in advance and have at least some temporary alternative.

However, this type of heating is becoming more and more popular. In general, the main complaints about the unprofitability and unprofitability of heating with air conditioners come from two categories of people:

who sells, adjusts and installs traditional heating systems (gas, solid fuel, electric boilers)

those who bought themselves a cheap Chinese brand

Inexpensive models and consume two to three times more "Japanese" with the same heat output. And they heat normally only when outdoors up to -5C (Japanese up to -30C).

Plus, they make noise like steam locomotives, and in the end they fail in just a couple of years.

Expensive brands have up to 25 years of MTBF. Accordingly, the “Japanese” has an average winter COP of 3-4, while the “Chinese” barely reaches 1.5.

Summing up, we can safely say that heating with air conditioners, with a competent approach, has the right to life and is able to pay for itself in just a few winters.

Even if after this time one of the units fails, its replacement will still be cheaper than connecting, installing, maintaining and operating most traditional heating systems.

Preparing for winter

In many climate companies, closer to the cold season, there are many requests for preparing the air conditioner for winter. What is it and can it be done on your own?

Professional conservation

Professional air conditioning winterization services typically include the following:

• pumping freon into the outdoor unit;
• complete de-energization of the system to avoid accidental activation;
• installation of protection for the external unit from falling icicles in the form of a special iron visor;
• cleaning the indoor unit.

cleaning mechanical filters

Although not always required the entire list of listed services. It is better to carry out a major cleaning of the room module with washing the filters, the heat exchanger and the fan before the start of the warm season, and before the cold weather, it is enough to rinse the mechanical cleaning filters in a soapy solution. Freon transfer can be completely eliminated. As practice shows, he perfectly survives until spring without unnecessary manipulations. Professional winterization of the air conditioner or its conservation is justified in the case of commercial or industrial equipment. In this case, the service departments may refuse warranty repairs if the device was not sealed before the cold weather. In order to reactivate the equipment, you will have to contact the climate company again.

Self-preparation

It turns out that you can prepare your home air conditioner for winter on your own, but how to do it right?

• First, the split system is turned on for a couple of hours in fan mode, and then for an hour in heating mode. This will help dry all the internal components of the device well;
• Wipe dust from the outside of the device with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Professionals usually use microfiber for this;
• Rinse the mechanical filters in the indoor unit;
• Completely de-energize the system;
• Take out the batteries from the remote control.

There is no need to perform any more additional actions in how to prepare the air conditioner for winter. The only thing is that those who have a split system on the windy side can think about insulating the refrigeration machine.

Warming

What is air conditioning insulation for the winter and how is it done? The outdoor unit can be wrapped in a thick cellophane film, the indoor unit is either also covered with polyethylene, or the drain hole is plugged.

There is no other way to insulate the air conditioner for the winter if we are talking about a split system. As already mentioned, at the mobile unit they simply close the plug from the street side, and at the window one, it is advisable to cover the protruding part of the device with a film or warm material. Sometimes window monoblocks have to be dismantled for the autumn-winter period, as they can be conductors for cold air to enter the apartment.

Possible problems and malfunctions

freezing of the outdoor unit

So, when answering the question whether air conditioners can work in winter, in most cases a negative result will be obtained. This is easily explained. There are several reasons why you should not use the air conditioner in winter, if this is not provided by the manufacturer.

If a person decides to cool the room, then the following consequences are possible:

• Efficiency is noticeably reduced, and work becomes inefficient;
• first, the drain pipe freezes due to the condensate released, and the outdoor module is covered with a dense layer of ice;
• the likelihood of compressor failure becomes very high, as cold oil loses its lubricating properties.

What happens if you turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter, violating the instructions? The following happens more often:

• freezes up the outdoor module;
• freon can enter the compressor in a liquid state, and this is its 100% breakdown;
• due to the unacceptable temperature difference between the heat exchanger and the outdoor air, the heating capacity becomes zero.

It is these problems that can arise if you turn on the air conditioner in winter and use it without a low-temperature kit in cooling mode or try to warm up using a split system that is not designed for this.

Sometimes users are faced with what blows out of the air conditioner in winter with strong winds outside. To avoid this, it is enough to cover the indoor unit with plastic wrap before the onset of severe cold weather or turn the drain tube slightly to the other side, since it is usually through it that the coolness passes into the room.

If you wish, you can use other advice.If it blows too much from the air conditioner in winter, they look for a hole on the indoor unit to drain the condensate and plug it with a rag. To find it, you need to remove the front facing panel and unscrew the screws on which the drain pan is attached. Most often, such a "bath" is located under the evaporative heat exchanger.

Some users complain that when working in winter, the air conditioner gurgles or squelches. If such sounds appear immediately after starting the compressor or turning it off, you should not worry, as this is a variant of the norm for split systems of average build quality.

If the air conditioner gurgles in winter after a certain operating time, then the following factors may be the cause:

• condensate has accumulated and frozen in the drain pipe;
• the installation of the freon line was of poor quality - the wrong length was selected or the system was not evacuated.

Heating work in winter

In addition to the above, the use of an air conditioner in winter for heating is associated with another nuance. When thermal energy is taken from cold outdoor air, it cools even more. As a result, the block on the street is covered with an additional layer of ice and snow, which are formed during this process.

If the manufacturer allows you to run the air conditioner in winter for heating, then it is quite possible to turn it on. However, you need to make sure that the equipment on the street is securely fastened, and the fasteners used for this are able to withstand the weight of the ice formed on the body. This is not ventilation in a natural draft bath, where there is no outer part. Everything is much more complicated here.

The operation of an air conditioner (a typical split system) is designed in such a way that when it is on, it constantly pumps freon between the outdoor unit on the street and the indoor unit in the room.

Cooling work in winter

Normally, the air conditioner is not used to cool the room air in winter. In winter, it is required to heat the premises more than to lower the temperature in it. Nevertheless, it can and will work in this mode with a slight minus outside the window. There are only a few points.

In both cases, the technique will inevitably break down. At the same time, the temperature outside the window “near zero” is not terrible for most air conditioners. They are quite allowed to turn on "in the cold" and in winter. Just don't do it too often. On the one hand, due to the thick, cooled oil, the compressor, after switching on, works with overload, and on the other hand, its efficiency at minus outside leaves much to be desired.

Even if conventional household appliances for air conditioning are designed to work in winter, they still cannot function as efficiently as in summer. If there are drops outside the window, then you can use it occasionally in case of urgent need. But here's what happens if you turn on the air conditioner in winter for cooling all the time, it's better not to find out in practice. He won't last long.

Cooling

Nowadays, a situation often arises when it is required that winter sets of air conditioners remove heat inside even at extremely low temperatures outside the window. Very often, just in the room there is expensive heating equipment that quickly warms up the entire surrounding space. There are surpluses that need to be disposed of quickly

This is especially important in work areas such as server rooms.

Naturally, users have a question, which air conditioners can be turned on in cooling mode? Most devices are simply not ready to work in winter for cooling. Usually, if the temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius, the heating automatically turns on.

There is a special kit for winter, which increases and decreases the speed of all ventilation systems. There is even already a complete set even from leading manufacturers, heating the drain hose, crankcase and pressure regulator. In general, these guys have everything thought out in detail that you won’t dig.

Types of devices with winter mode

It should be understood that installing additional winter parts is not always possible successfully. Further operation of the device depends on the parts themselves, the dimensions of the air conditioner and the installation method, so it is better to immediately purchase an air conditioner that will work in winter for heating and in summer for cooling. There are two models that work well in winter:

1. The Cooper&Hunter CH-S09FTXLA Arctic Inverter is the right choice for heating a 25 m² room. The average engine power is 2.8 kW. Works well at -25 °C. The device includes a part that checks all parameters before starting the engine.
2. GREE GWH12KF-K3DNA5G - this model works well at an optimum temperature of -18 °C. A room of 35 m² can be fully heated. The split-system is protected from freezing of the outdoor unit, which consists of heating particles, a crankcase and a drain.

Cooper&Hunter CH-S09FTXLA Arctic Inverter works well in severe frosts

Using the air conditioner in bad weather

Observing the temperature limits, the answer to questions about precipitation during bad weather, in particular, whether it is possible to use the air conditioner in rain or snow is unambiguous - of course, yes. Damage to the external module of the device is possible only when icicles and ice fall on it. Installing a special metal visor over it will solve this problem.

It is important to make sure that the outdoor temperature is within the acceptable threshold stated by the manufacturer, or that a low temperature kit is installed before testing or installing the air conditioner in winter. Too cold weather should be a reason to postpone the installation of equipment or its first start until warmer

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter and at what temperature

Operating conditions depend on the specific model of the split system. Devices of the lower and middle price segment are designed for a maximum temperature of minus 5 degrees in the cold season. You can take a chance and turn on the equipment at lower temperatures, but compressor failure is a serious thing, and repairs are expensive. You need to find out what operating temperature range for this model of air conditioner is when buying. In cheap systems, it is small.

Models of the Mitsubishi Electric brand are able to maintain the operating mode at temperatures up to minus 20 degrees outside the window. In the presence of a winter kit - up to minus 30.

Another Japanese brand, Daikin, has also solved the all-weather problem for its split systems. Air conditioners in winter work for heating at a temperature of minus 15 degrees.

Before turning on the equipment for heating, you need to re-read the instructions and find out to what lower temperature threshold the device can be used so as not to disable it. There are two reasons why the air conditioner may break down:

1. Freezing of the drainage system. The condensate flowing out into the street during operation freezes in frost, the liquid cannot come out.
2. Freezing oil. Each brand has its own limit of lower temperatures at which it thickens and can no longer perform its functions.

As a result of violation of the rules for using the device in winter, various breakdowns occur. If protective functions are provided, the equipment will simply turn off, which will save it from costly repairs.

Heating is available only in spring and autumn, when the use of gas boilers is not rational, because they consume a lot of fuel. Warming up the room a little is all that can be achieved from a conventional air conditioner. However, consumers want to cool and heat the room with the same appliance.

In winter, the efficiency of the split system decreases if you turn on the air conditioner at sub-zero temperatures. Cooling work during the cold season is needed only in specific rooms where equipment is located that has high heat transfer and needs constant cooling. For these purposes, a winter set has been created: to cool, not heat the room. It includes the following components:

• A device that reduces the speed of the impeller. Thanks to him, the efficiency is normalized.
• Compressor crankcase heating device. As soon as the compressor stops, the crankcase heater starts. Freon does not flow into it, the oil remains liquid, the refrigerant does not boil.
• Drainage heater.Pipes and bathtubs do not freeze, condensate freely flows out. There are heaters mounted outside and inside the line.

An air conditioner equipped with such a kit can be turned on in winter without fear.

Exploitation

The main thing is to clean the split system before the cold season

Particular attention should be paid to the outdoor unit - because it is affected by frost and cold. If you wish, you can do it yourself

Read more in the article "How to clean the air conditioner yourself."

There is no big difference between the operation of the air conditioner in winter and summer. You just need to turn it on and monitor the condition of the outdoor unit. It freezes over time, which degrades the performance of the air conditioner.

Many models have a defrost mode. If it does not turn on automatically for you, you will have to do it manually. when there is no such mode, it will be necessary to chip off the ice and spill the outdoor unit with warm water.

It would be useful to install a visor over the outdoor unit. In the spring, water will fall from the icicles onto the block, where it will freeze. This will cause it to freeze.

Important!
If the temperature "overboard" is too low, you can not turn off the air conditioner. Otherwise, the oil in the compressor sump will become too viscous and you will not be able to start it.

How to prepare your air conditioner for winter with your own hands

If it is not possible to call a specialist, then you can prepare for winter on your own. For this you should:

1. Thoroughly clean the indoor unit. Remove the front cover and take out the mesh from the air conditioner. We soak it in a soap solution or a special agent and leave it for 20-30 minutes. Next, you need to clean the fan, if it is not removable, then we do it with a brush.If the fan is removable, then we take it out and send it to the grid in a soapy solution.

1. After cleaning the air conditioner, dry it thoroughly. To do this, turn on the “heating” mode and leave it for 1-3 hours. Then the "ventilation" mode for another 30 minutes.
2. Now we turn off the power supply and remove the batteries from the remote control so that it does not accidentally turn on.
3. You can also insulate the air conditioner during the winter cold. To do this, the outer and inner blocks are wrapped in a dense cellophane film. You can also plug the drain hole.

Problems and Solutions

Possible problems that may arise when operating the air conditioner at sub-zero temperatures:

• Freezing water in the drain pipe;
• Icing of the outdoor unit;
• Too low temperature;
• Increasing the viscosity of the oil in the sump;
• Freezing of fan bearings.

If your air conditioner started spitting water in winter, or condensation began to drip from it, the problem is in the drainage. An ice tube may form in the drain tube and moisture will not drain out. Solving the problem is easy - warm up the outer part of the drain tube.

If the efficiency of the split system has fallen, or it has completely stopped cooling, you need to follow these steps:

Just look at the thermometer. If the temperature outside is below the minimum specified in the instructions, there is nothing to do. You will have to wait for warming or install a winter kit (it will be discussed below).

Check if the outdoor unit is covered with ice. In particular, the radiator (condenser). It is located on the back side of the outdoor unit. If it is icy, rinse it with warm water and dry it, or better, dry it with a building hair dryer.

Iced outdoor unit.He will not be able to give the air conditioner at full capacity, and may lead to its breakdown.

Sometimes the grease in the radiator bearing freezes or it becomes covered with ice. If the fan is not spinning, try spinning it by hand. If this does not help, warm up the bearing with a hair dryer.

Sometimes the oil in the compressor sump becomes too viscous. This can happen for three reasons:

1. The temperature is too low outside;
2. Incorrect oil was poured into the compressor during maintenance or repair;
3. The air conditioner was off for a long time.

In this case, you will need to remove the outdoor unit casing and warm up the bottom of the compressor. To do this, use a building hair dryer.

Cooling

Nowadays, a situation often arises when it is required that winter sets of air conditioners remove heat inside even at extremely low temperatures outside the window. Very often, just in the room there is expensive heating equipment that quickly warms up the entire surrounding space. There are surpluses that need to be disposed of quickly

This is especially important in work areas such as server rooms.

Naturally, users have a question, which air conditioners can be turned on in cooling mode? Most devices are simply not ready to work in winter for cooling. Usually, if the temperature is below 5 degrees Celsius, the heating automatically turns on.

There is a special kit for winter, which increases and decreases the speed of all ventilation systems. There is even already a complete set even from leading manufacturers, heating the drain hose, crankcase and pressure regulator. In general, these guys have everything thought out in detail that you won’t dig.

conclusions

Installing an air conditioner in winter is undesirable. Professionals advise to carry out such work only with the onset of spring, when you can fully check the functionality of the climate unit. But testing mechanical components is easy to implement even in winter, and in several ways. The main condition is the presence of a "winter kit".

A photo