What temperature to turn on on the air conditioner: parameters and norms for different times

How to turn on the air conditioner

Using an air conditioner to cool the air inside your home is considered the main task for this household appliance, but there are split products that can work in two ways: cold and warm.There is no difference in their installation, except for small nuances: air conditioners are installed only on the walls of the house, and modern models of split systems can also be mounted in ceilings.

Many users ask the age-old question, how to set up the air conditioner yourself? The instruction interprets the basic provisions on how to properly operate an air conditioner of a certain model after installation is completed. Set up the product using the remote control, how to handle it correctly, we will tell you in detail a little later.

Cooling mode

We use this function all the time at home when it's hot, so let's look at this process in more detail.

In order to turn on the air conditioner in the cold, just press the button with the image of a snowflake, then select the optimal temperature to which you want to cool the air in the room. When the desired microclimate is reached, the remote unit turns off automatically, and the evaporator unit continues its operation - it maintains the parameters set by the user.

The cold air stream leaves the evaporator and fills the entire space, displacing the warmer one, which is sucked into the system and cooled. As soon as the temperature rises a couple of degrees, the outdoor unit starts up again to lower it to the optimal option that you set using the remote control on the air conditioner.

There are recommendations from experts regarding the use of the "cold" function.

1. It is not necessary to cool the air below 16 degrees in the apartment. At the same time, it must be remembered that when the device is operating at full power, there is a risk of catching a cold.
2. The difference between the temperature of the outdoor and indoor air should not exceed 5 degrees.
3. Do not turn on the product in the cold when the outside temperature is less than 12 degrees.
4. All models of modern climatic devices are configured to save energy, especially converter products are distinguished by this - they automatically select the operating mode.
5. All air conditioners should not be turned on at all when the outside temperature is below 0 degrees.

Many models of split units, according to manufacturers, can operate at 20 degrees below zero, heating the room, but they must be turned off in severe frosts so as not to break the fan

Particular care must be taken to operate this technique during sudden thaws.

Heating mode

Modern climate systems can supply not only cool air to the apartment, but also heat. To do this, take the PU and follow the prompts.

1. Press the Start or On / Off key, then the button labeled Heat.
2. If there is none, then there is a Mode key or another, above which there are symbols: a snowflake, the sun, a raindrop and a fan. Switch modes until the desired symbol appears on the display.
3. By pressing + or - or the up/down arrows, you need to set the required temperature. Its value should be 5 degrees higher than what is now in the room.

Initially, the fan is turned on, and then the heating mode. After a maximum of 10 minutes, the product will begin to blow warm air into the room. If the remote control does not have the buttons described above, you are out of luck, this air conditioner model cannot work in heat mode.

During the settings, any model must respond to your actions: give out sound signals, flash LEDs.When purchasing a product, you need to familiarize yourself with all its characteristics, so as not to rack your brains later.

Modes of climate technology

You can turn on the air conditioner in several modes: in winter - heating, in summer - cooling, ventilation, dehumidification. Each parameter has its own characteristics. You can set a test mode to help determine the operating conditions. Auto-restart allows you to use the previously set parameters after switching on.

Temperature setting

Buttons "▲" or "▼" - setting the temperature value in increments of 1 degree. How many degrees are set, you can see on the display. It is not necessary to leave the room at the time of operation of the climate device if all parameters are set correctly, without sudden changes.

Air conditioner operating modes

Cool/heat mode

You can set the air conditioner for space cooling or heating using the control panel or the panel on the device. You need to enter the menu with a list of modes, select the desired one.

In fan mode, it is impossible to control the temperature using this algorithm. First you need to pause.

In a simple budget device, in heating mode, the air is slightly heated in the ventilation radius, so it cannot replace heating. In winter, the home air conditioner is practically not used for heating.

Launching Other Modes

You can use the air conditioner not only for heating or cooling the air - the purpose of the split system is wider. Modes of humidification, self-cleaning, drying, etc. are provided. To select the necessary operating parameters, you need to go to the menu to select operating modes. For dehumidification - the DRY function, for automatic operation - Auto. All designations are written in the instruction manual.

The air conditioner can work in each mode with the loss of some additional functions: it is impossible to control the speed of rotation of the turbine, change the temperature. You should first set up a comfortable microclimate.

Comfort or Optimum

Any employee working in the office wants his work to be carried out in comfortable conditions. But the concept of comfort is too subjective, because it is tied to the individual feelings of each particular person, and they are different for everyone. What is acceptable for one may be unpleasant for another. It is for this reason that the concept of "comfortable conditions" is not used in official documentation and regulations.

Instead of the subjective term "comfort" in the professional vocabulary, a more precise and specific parameter "optimal conditions" is used. As for the optimal air temperature, this is a value determined by complex physiological studies and calculations, taking into account the average human needs.

Winter set

There are two myths about effective air conditioning heating in the winter cold.

The first myth: when installing a winter kit on an air conditioner with a heating function, it will be possible to use it at low temperatures. There is some truth in this - in this case it is allowed to turn on the device, but not for heat, but for cold.

The standard winter kit consists of three elements:

• fan slowdown device;
• compressor crankcase heating;
• drainage heating - self-regulating heating element.

When the air conditioner is used for heating in winter, there is no need to slow down the fan, on the contrary, it should rotate even more.Therefore, such a split configuration will only help with cooling the room, when it is necessary to slow down the rotation of the fan to maintain the condensation temperature.

The second myth: the purchase of a modern air conditioner with a built-in winter kit and an anti-icing program will allow you to function for heating up to the specified temperature parameters, which very often reach serious values. This is not entirely true. Only a few models belonging to semi-industrial series will be able to heat the room. In addition to the built-in drain pan heater, they have an enlarged heat exchanger. Such models provide decent heating efficiency in winter with air conditioning even at -25 ° C. The rest will be able to work efficiently with such external parameters only for cooling.

The main manufacturers and series of devices with a programmed ability to heat a room in cold weather:

Manufacturer	Series	Permissible temperature
Daikin	CTXG-J/MXS-E	-15°C
TOSHIBA	DAISEKAI SKVR	-15°C
HITACHI	PREMIUM, ECO	-20°C
PANASONIC	HE-MKD	-15°C
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC	DELUXE, PKA-PR (not all models)	-15°C

In modern conditions for the production of climate technology, it is possible to use an air conditioner for heating, but purchasing an all-season split will cost much more.

Temperature limits and functions within the mode

For “fully automatic” air conditioners, the level of “comfort” may vary depending on the equipment manufacturer (different models may have different temperatures programmed by the factory). Among the trademarks present on the Russian market, the boundaries are most often set:

• Minimum - 21 ° Celsius;
• Maximum - 27 ° Celsius.

When you turn on the "AUTO" mode, the equipment independently determines the desired temperature in the room, adjusting it in accordance with the settings specified by the system (often air conditioners maintain 23-25 ​​degrees). The accuracy of temperature limits in automatic mode usually fluctuates no more than 2 degrees. Most modern models are available for climate adjustment using functions that the device can turn on alternately:

• Heating;
• Cooling;
• ventilation;
• Dehumidification.

Which one will be applied by the system depends on the temperature in the room at the time the Auto mode is turned on.

Thus, when the automatic mode is turned on in a room whose temperature is lower than that set on the remote control, the air will be heated. After that, the device will go into standby mode. When the split system is activated at high temperatures, the air will cool to the set criteria, then the equipment will automatically switch to standby mode. If the temperature fluctuates beyond the “factory” settings, the cooling or heating process will automatically turn on.

High humidity and stale air

After turning on the split system, in some models, using sensors, not only the temperature is estimated, but also the degree of humidity. The air conditioner in the "Auto" mode activates the "Dehumidification" function at high humidity levels, and the "Ventilation" function to circulate air currents.

Comfortable stay in an air-conditioned room

The temperature is the most important factor, but not the only one, which is affected by the air conditioner running in the room.

In addition to maintaining the temperature at a given value, the air conditioner dries the air.This leads to the fact that the mucous membrane of the nose and throat can dry out. For some people, this causes discomfort in the form of a runny nose and sore throat.

The optimum humidity is considered to be 40-60%. It is measured with a hygrometer. Modern devices, in addition to humidity, also report other important components of the microclimate.

This can be avoided by installing a humidifier in the room. It is also recommended to drink more water, this will protect your mucous membranes from drying out.

Energy efficiency at home

Russian YouTube is full of videos about air heat pumps on air conditioners, and for some reason there is a clear trend everywhere that if someone scolds them, they will definitely miss the advantages of the device and inflate the cons, and vice versa.

This article will touch on both positive and negative aspects of the issue.

Before thinking about heating with air conditioning, check the thermal insulation and energy efficiency of your home.

If it is useless, then no matter what power you set the unit, you will not get warm in winter. And the type of heating will have nothing to do with it.

No wonder they say - the best heating is insulation! When everything is in order with this, you can start choosing an air conditioner.

Choosing a split system with heating function

In the range of climate systems, a large selection of air conditioners with heating function

When buying such a device, it is recommended to pay attention to important criteria

Selection options:

1. Energy efficiency category.
2. Range of admissible working temperatures.
3. The productivity of thermal energy.
4. Power consumption of energy.
5. The area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room and its purpose (living room, production room, etc.).
6. The presence of the mode of auto-defrosting condensate.

Good reviews have inverter models of air conditioners complete with winter equipment, which function effectively in an extended range of sub-zero temperatures.

Cassette air conditioner: features and benefits

How to turn on the device correctly

Before switching on, you must:

1. Check for filters in the housing.
2. Make sure the duct grille is free.
3. Clean the space around the device as much as possible.

Further adjustment of the air conditioner concerns the operating system and work with setting modes.

Designations on the display PU

There are two options for starting climate technology - from the remote control and using the button on the device. Usually the buttons are signed in English, so you should look at the meaning in the instructions.

On the control panel, in addition to turning on / off, you can change the operating modes, adjust the temperature, and set elementary commands. Depending on the model and manufacturer, the panel may be located at the bottom or at the top. The "start" button is clearly marked. Modes are selected using the "mode" button. The smart display will show the actions being performed. The condition for quality work is the fulfillment of the requirements specified in the manual attached to the purchase.

Brief instruction of PU air conditioner:

• ON / OFF button - start and stop the climate equipment.
• The "▲"/"▼" buttons adjust the heating and cooling.
• The "MODE" button allows you to select the mode.
• Button "FAN SPEED" to control the speed of rotation of the cooler.

Features of using air conditioners with different temperature parameters

Usually, the air conditioner is able to withstand the maximum minimum temperatures thanks to the built-in winter kit, which consists of heating the drain hose, heating the compressor crankcase and an electronic board.

But it is worth remembering that even the extended operating temperature range of the air conditioner does not make it possible to use it for heating in winter. If the user ignores the set temperature limits for cooling / heating the air conditioner, then this leads to a decrease in efficiency and loss of efficiency, and also threatens:

• icing of both blocks;
• freezing of the drain pipe;
• the ingress of condensate into the room;
• failure of the compressor and fan blades.

If we compare on / off and inverter models, then the former have a maximum minimum cooling temperature of the air conditioner of -5 ° C, while the latter have up to -15 ° C.

Speaking about heating the air in cold weather, it should be noted that for split systems this is unrealistic. The exception is monoblock air conditioners - window and mobile systems. They can be used as heaters in winter, as the "warm" models are equipped with powerful heating elements and function as fan heaters when they start up in the heating mode.

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 extended (up to +55°C), shelter from the sun is necessary, as constant operation at its maximum capacity quickly leads to wear of the compressor.

Legislative regulation of the issue

The last of the regulations in this area is SanPiN 2.2.4.3359-16 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for physical factors in the workplace” (approved by the Decree of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation of June 21, 2020 No. 81).

The purpose of the rules is to prevent diseases or deviations in the state of health of workers, the root cause of which is the unfavorable environment of office premises.

The conditions for office workers are also normalized, whose labor, taking into account the total energy consumption of the body, due to the nature of the activity (up to 139 W), is classified as work category Ia (Appendix 1 to SanPiN, Table P 1.1).

Directly devoted to the temperature regime at the workplace SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 "Hygienic requirements for the microclimate of industrial premises" (approved by the Decree of the State Committee for Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision of the Russian Federation of October 1, 1996 No. 21).

Main problems

If you accidentally or deliberately turn on a conventional air conditioner in severe frost, this can lead to big problems. The complexity of breakdowns depends on the mode of use, on what temperature it was outside at the time of switching on. If you turn on the device for heating the apartment when it is -5 ° C outside, then the outdoor unit will begin to become covered with ice, since it will emit condensate. Heat transfer will deteriorate, heat output will decrease. Refrigerant can get into the compressor and break the device.

Compressor performance will drop, leading to serious damage.

What is the efficiency and thermal efficiency of air conditioners

The efficiency of air conditioners is usually indicated by the coefficient of performance (the ratio of the cold produced to the power consumed) and the thermal coefficient (the heat produced by the power consumed). The calculation of this value is done from the ratio of consumed to useful power.

Important!

The power consumption of an air conditioner, measured in kW, is much less than the cooling capacity.It is possible to determine the efficiency of the climatic device only if the efficiency of the device during the heating process is greater than one.

If the temperature outside the window is positive, then the amount of heat generated will be approximately three times more than the energy consumed. With a power consumption of 1 kW, the heating power will be 3 kW. Moreover, the nominal capacity is usually indicated on the equipment, in this case, it will be a digital value of 1 kW.

The need to take into account the true processes of conditioning has led to the emergence of all kinds of energy efficiency values.

In this regard, the following aspects should be noted:

• As a rule, EER is shown for standard mode (full thermal capacity under normal conditions). The classic conditions according to ISO 5151 are considered to be test measurements carried out in the Moscow region. At the same time, the temperature outside at that moment was + 32˚С, and inside the room + 26˚С.
• The EER of climate devices is typically between 2.5 and 3.4 and the COP between 2.8 and 4.0. This shows that the second value is higher than the first. This is explained by the fact that during operation the compressor heats up and gives off its heat to the refrigerant. It is for this reason that split systems emit more heat than coolness.
• There are seven EER categories to classify air conditioners into energy efficiency classes. They are designated from A to G, while class A split systems have COP> 3.6 and EER> 3.2, and class G has COP < 2.4 and EER < 2.2.

Features and principle of operation of a split system for heat

To understand how an air conditioner works for heat, you need to understand how it works for cooling. After all, the main function of the air conditioner is precisely this.And it is exactly the same as the refrigerator. Only everything happens more intensively, because in the air conditioner the condenser is blown with a fan. It's not in the fridge.

The air conditioner includes:

• evaporator,
• compressor,
• capacitor,
• thermostatic valve, also known as a capillary tube.

It is these four devices, which are interconnected in a ring, that are the main split system.

1. From the evaporator, the refrigerant (freon) in the form of gas is pumped out by the compressor.
2. In it, the gas is compressed to a certain pressure, while the temperature of the latter rises sharply.
3. Freon then moves into the condenser, which is blown by a fan. Here, thermal energy is transferred to the surrounding air, that is, the temperature of the refrigerant drops, and it turns into a liquid in the form of droplets that settle on the walls of the condenser tube. That is, the process of gas condensation occurs, which is why this device is called a condenser. Although by itself it is a tubular coil, like an evaporator.
4. The air conditioning compressor runs constantly, so there is always a certain pressure in the system. This means that the liquid refrigerant begins to move towards the capillary tube.
5. Here, under pressure, it begins to evaporate, turning into a gas with a low temperature, which enters the evaporator.
6. In the latter, heat transfer takes place. That is, the gas takes heat from the air in the room, thereby lowering its temperature.
7. The gas is then pumped out again by the compressor and the cooling process is repeated.

It must be indicated that the evaporator is located in the indoor unit of the split system, the condenser is in the outdoor unit.We add that freon, as a refrigerant, is a material that easily passes from one state of aggregation to another, while releasing or taking a huge amount of thermal energy.

When the air conditioner is used for heating, the evaporator and condenser change places in terms of their purpose. That is, the coil located in the external unit will take thermal energy from the air, and the internal one will give it away, because the refrigerant in it will flow at a high temperature.

Air conditioner operation in heating mode

But for this to happen, it is necessary to change the operation of the air conditioning compressor, which will not draw gas from the evaporator, but pump liquid freon into it. The technology of this process is implemented by installing a four-way valve. It simply switches the direction of movement of the refrigerant, and the compressor itself does not take any part in this. It continues to operate normally.

Air conditioner cleaning

The instructions for the air conditioner provide proper care. Especially if the device is active and regularly works. The split system must be cleaned periodically so as not to lose vacuum.

It is recommended to clean the filters twice a month

Cleaning the indoor unit.

1. Remove the cover and take out the filters. Wash them in warm water with a mild detergent.
2. Carefully remove the rotary fan and wipe the blades with a damp cloth.
3. Carefully clean the heat exchanger with a vacuum cleaner. For hard-to-reach places, use a thin brush.
4. After complete drying of the components, install them in place.

If there is rust on the case, you need to call a specialist. Possible freon leak.

Cleaning the outdoor unit

1. Remove branches, leaves, and large debris from the grate and fan blades.
2. Remove the cover. Clean surfaces with a cloth or vacuum cleaner. Be careful not to get water on electrical parts.
3. Wash the radiator plates with a high pressure of water: a shower, a hose, a device for washing cars.
4. Reinstall all parts.

The outdoor unit does not need to be cleaned as often as internal

However, it is important to remove large debris on time so that the device does not overheat.

Split system heating during cold periods

To begin with, let's say a few words about the principles of the split system. When the unit is in heating or cooling mode, electrical energy is used to transport heat between outdoor and indoor. In summer, it is removed into the atmosphere, and in winter, on the contrary, it is pumped from the street into the room.

Air conditioning heating

Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner at sub-zero temperatures for heating? Yes, you can. But you need to take into account several factors and features of a particular device. During operation in heating mode, freon in liquid form enters the outdoor unit, evaporates there, taking part of the heat. After that, the refrigerant gas is pumped by the compressor to the indoor unit, where it condenses in the evaporator, releasing the accumulated heat. This is how the air conditioner works for heating in winter.

During this process, the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit is cooled to a very low level, as a result of which moisture from the outdoor air pumped by the fan freezes on it. This is one of the main problems when operating an air conditioner for heating in winter.

The second problem is the increased viscosity of the oil in the compressor.Since it uses a moving mechanism, it needs lubrication. To do this, the compressor is filled with oil at the factory, which can thicken in the cold. When starting the compressor with too thick oil, it may break down.

Freezing of the outdoor unit

In order to avoid negative moments, before turning on the air conditioner for heating in winter in sub-zero weather, the following steps must be taken:

• In the instructions for the split system, find the paragraph on the boundary permissible temperatures. If it is lower on the street, then the device cannot be turned on.
• Make sure that the outdoor thermometer is above the minimum allowable level.
• On the remote control of the air conditioner, find the button responsible for the heating mode and press it. Usually, a pictogram in the form of a stylized sun is used for designation.
• Select the desired temperature. No need to try to heat the room too much. The unit may not have enough power. It is recommended to heat the room in winter to 18-24 degrees.

We recommend you to read: Floor air conditioner without air duct

After completing all the above steps, the heating mode is turned on.

Please note that after the split system has been turned on, heating will start after a while. A few minutes, and sometimes more than 10, the device will be prepared for operation without turning on the indoor unit

Do not be afraid, the air conditioner is not broken, you just need to wait.

Turning on the heating

Seasonal choice: what temperature should be set on the air conditioner

In general, the optimal air conditioner temperature for cooling the air is 22–25°C. The range from 20?C to 28?C is considered an acceptable comfort rate.This is provided that the difference between the air-conditioned and outdoor environment is no more than 7?C. Otherwise, when changing premises, an additional load on the human body (immune and cardiovascular systems) will increase sharply. For some, such a difference is equal to a slight feeling of discomfort, and for others - the threat of getting sick.

A typical cooling application is a combination of the three above. Heat transfer cannot occur without a temperature difference. It can also be defined as the degree of reasonable heat that one body has over another. In some countries, temperature is measured in degrees Fahrenheit, but in our country and in the rest of the world in general, the Celsius degree scale, sometimes called Celsius, is used. Both scales have two main points: the freezing point and the boiling point of water at sea level.

In the Fahrenheit scale, the temperature difference between these two points is divided into 180 equal increments, called degrees Fahrenheit, while in the Celsius scale, the temperature difference is divided into 100 equal increments, called degrees Celsius.

In cold weather, the normal temperature heated by the air conditioner can reach up to 20?C. It depends on the capabilities of the device, as well as on personal preferences. In general, there are no strict ranges, since people can insulate themselves with clothing to a comfortable level. Most importantly, you should not use the air conditioner at outdoor temperatures below -5 ° C.

Air conditioning is the best thing these days. But we must be careful that this is not the one that sends us straight to the doctor with a sore throat.Survey data showed that there is widespread abuse of air conditioning among Spaniards, which has a direct impact on health, with 30.8 percent of people maintaining air conditioning at low temperatures - between 22 and 24 degrees - and 20.5 percent at very low temperatures - from 20 to 22 degrees.

In addition, according to these parameters, the study also showed that only 8 out of 100 people set the air conditioner to the correct temperature. 73.7% said they suffered from a cold or throat problem as a result of their use in the summer, since air conditioning can be the cause of conditions such as pharyngitis, rhinitis, asthma, pneumonia, headaches, contractures, muscle pain, lower back pain and pain in the neck.

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.

The principle of operation of the air conditioner for heating

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.

Air conditioner air direction under different modes

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.

Heat distribution during air conditioning heating

The optimal air conditioner temperature for a private house

Usually cottages have high thermal insulation. The exceptions are simple summer cottages and old houses. Most of them have large areas. This gives rise to its own characteristics of climate control. If tenants need additional air cooling or heating, it is better to opt for a more powerful model or purchase two medium-capacity units. This makes it easier to reach the optimal temperature of the air conditioner in the house.

On the other hand, it is reported that there is a great climatic contrast between the different places that we often encounter, such as an office, our house or our vehicles, at outdoor temperature, there can be a difference of more than 10 degrees in a short period of time.

Below 20 degrees can increase gasoline consumption by 20%

Improper use of the conditioner also negatively affects the pocket. Therefore, it is recommended to recommend a circulation with a temperature of 22 degrees in the cabin in summer, as a figure below 20 degrees can have a very negative effect on the fuel consumption of a car.

The main purpose of the device

The main function of an air conditioner is to cool the air temperature in the room during the hot season, so many people go to the hardware store before the start of the summer season. Split systems are equipped with copper cooling pipes that use freon.The indoor module has a heat exchanger through which it evaporates and releases cold air into the room. Near it is a propeller that drives it back and forth.

Then the heated freon enters the outdoor unit and begins to transform inside it, that is, it gives off heat and starts to evaporate again and give cold, so almost all split systems have 1 mode - “cooling”.