Most manufacturers test air conditioners operating in winter at a minimum temperature of -9 degrees. This is due to the low demand for climate technology in countries with cold winters. Nevertheless, many brands of air conditioners produced in Japan or Europe can cope well with heating even in more severe frosts. If you re-equip them a little.
The use of air conditioners in winter is associated with a number of features. Nevertheless, in many European countries it was calculated that the air conditioner, which works as a heating device in winter, saves money and creates additional conveniences for residents.
Considering the need to save resources, manufacturers began to equip air conditioners that work for heating in winter with economical and efficient heat pumps.
Air conditioner operation for heating
When the air conditioner is operating for heating in winter, its efficiency is significantly reduced. This is due to the fact that the outside temperature is close to the evaporation temperature of freon, which entails a decrease in the cooling capacity.
If you equip an air conditioner operating in winter with a special kit, the cold performance practically does not change. For this, the condensing pressure is monitored. The pressure should have a reading equal to that of the street, at a temperature of -20 degrees. This is achieved by specially adjusting the fan speed of the outdoor unit. It is important to ensure that the crankcase oil is heated up to +10 degrees. The compressor temperature during operation never drops below +30 degrees, however, to start it, the crankcase must be warmed up. Now it becomes clear why, starting at -15, the compressor does not stop even at -25 degrees. Then how to run it at -25 will not work.
Features of the air conditioner in winter
The air conditioner starts up for heating in winter, but for some time it runs in the cold to warm up the outdoor unit. Having done this, the equipment switches to heating mode.
Should I use an air conditioner for heating in winter?
A standard household air conditioner is used for heating only during the off-season, but not in winter. Therefore, when the air temperature drops below -5 degrees, it is more expedient to switch to other heat sources.
If there are no other heating options, you should install an air conditioner with a winter kit, designed to operate at temperatures of -20 and below. Such "arctic" devices work for heating all winter in heat pump mode. It should be borne in mind that even the most modern air conditioners in winter produce 2.1 kilowatts of cold per 1 kilowatt of energy consumed in this mode.
