Permissible temperature for turning on the air conditioner for heating. “You can use an air conditioner in winter, but subject to a number of restrictions. Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter for humidification?
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After purchasing a split system, owners ask themselves: is it possible to turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter? The question is logical, because upon detailed study of the technical documentation and user instructions for the climate control unit, you can find information that reversible air conditioners fully function in the temperature range from -5 to +25 °C. Therefore, if it is -5 °C outside the window, can the device heat the room? How are things going if you turn it on at -20-30 °C?
Let's take a closer look at how advisable it is to operate an air conditioner in winter.
Air conditioner operation for heating and cooling
HVAC specialists are often asked the question: is it possible to use an air conditioner for heating in winter? It all depends on the type and features of the installation. Some owners prefer to use units that do not have an outdoor unit at all, and the unit itself is located in the room.
These air conditioners are used at any temperature, regardless of the time of year outside.
In the device, the air taken from the room is used to blow the heated condenser. When the air conditioner is turned on in winter, the heating element is activated and functions as heating. In fact, the climate control unit turns into a large fan. The heat pump does not take any part in this process, since it is deactivated.
Split systems operate on a different principle. In both cooling and heating modes, such devices operate due to heat exchange with the external space. To be more precise, an outdoor unit is used that is installed outdoors. Obviously, when planning the operation of a split system, it is imperative to take into account the outside temperature.
Speaking about whether it is possible to use an air conditioner in winter, it is worth considering 2 aspects of this issue - technical and economic.
Technical side of the issue
The main functional component of the climate control unit is the compressor located in the outdoor unit. It requires periodic lubrication, and its consistency should not be liquid or too viscous. The state of consistency directly depends on the air temperature outside the window.
Using air conditioning at a temperature of -5 °C outside the window causes the lubricant to thicken. The oil is unable to perform its function, the friction of parts increases, they actively wear out, overheat and fail prematurely.
Efficiency of climate control equipment in winter
Let's take a closer look at the features of the operation of climate control devices in cooling and heating modes in winter.
Heating mode
Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter in heating mode, and how does this device work at sub-zero temperatures outside the window? In this case, the functions of the evaporator are delegated to the external radiator. The refrigerant is directed into the housing of the outdoor unit, where it quickly cools down. In accordance with the technical design, the freon here should be heated from the street air. And as long as the temperature is not too low, everything functions properly.
But if the values on the temperature column fall below the -5 °C specified by the manufacturer, the freon simply will not be able to heat up from the external environment, which can lead to a decrease in performance. It is simply not practical to use air conditioning for heating, due to its minimal efficiency.
Cooling mode
If you turn on the air conditioner in cooling mode at sub-zero temperatures outside the window, the radiator will begin to work as a capacitor. The temperature of freon or other refrigerant in the outdoor unit rises rapidly. The efficiency of heat transfer will depend on how cold it is outside. From the point of view of feasibility, the operation of the climate control device in winter is acceptable and effective.
As practice shows, there is no need for this mode of operation at sub-zero temperatures. This is quite logical, because in winter the owners strive to heat their homes, and for cooling they simply open a window or vent. Installation in winter and operation in cooling mode is justified for server rooms and basements with equipment that actively generates heat. These rooms require air exchange and cooling.
What problems can arise from improper use?
So, why can’t you turn on the air conditioner for heat in winter? A drop in efficiency is far from the main problem that unit owners will face. The main condition for the operation of the compressor is that the freon in the evaporator unit must evaporate completely, and then be directed into the suction pipe in a gas state. But what can you expect if you turn on the heating with the air conditioner at low temperatures?
The refrigerant does not go into a gaseous state due to low heat. As a result, it remains in liquid form. The liquid is then directed inside the compressor. A hydraulic shock occurs, damaging the supercharger.
Is it safe to use an air conditioner in cooling mode in winter? Experts in the field pay attention to the hidden threat that awaits all users. The main problem comes from condensation running down the drainage outlet. At low temperatures, the liquid simply freezes, which can lead to the formation of an ice plug.
Operating devices in air conditioning mode actively produce moisture, which at sub-zero temperatures will not be removed, but will pour out of the inside of the indoor unit. If we add to this unpleasant factor the dust present in all rooms, we get ideal conditions for the development of fungi.
So, why can’t you use climate control equipment in such conditions? There will be an unpleasant odor and leaks in the indoor unit. Sanitizing the radiator and internal components will help correct this annoyance. Particular attention will have to be paid to the drainage system.
Installing an air conditioner in winter is fraught with a gurgling effect. It is observed in cases where there is no slope in the drainage tube: condensation accumulates inside the tube, and when air passes through it, a gurgling effect occurs. Constant sounds indicate poor-quality installation: the vacuum was carried out with errors, and unwanted moisture remained in the inner part.
Which air conditioner is suitable for heating in winter?
If you are wondering whether it is possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter for heating, carefully study the user instructions. If the corresponding functionality is provided by the manufacturer (reversible models), then no problems will arise. The only condition is to adhere to the recommended temperature regime. Much depends on the compressor control circuit.
For devices in which an inverter is installed, the device independently determines the optimal operating mode. These devices fully function without shutdowns, thereby increasing their service life. They are able to operate in wide temperature ranges.
Some owners prefer to dismantle the air conditioner in winter, which is quite reasonable, given the negative consequences that its operation at negative temperatures can lead to. But is it possible to use it without such radical steps? Certainly! All you need is to equip the climate control unit with several devices (winter kit).
Before winter, standard air conditioners are equipped with a special “winter package”
It consists of several components:
- drainage pipe heating system;
- a board responsible for the slow speed of movement of the built-in fans (this eliminates the danger of freon overcooling in the outdoor unit);
- heating the compressor crankcase (which is necessary to prevent an increase in oil thickness).
The presence of an inverter mechanism and the components listed above will allow you to effectively operate the climate control unit at temperatures much lower than indicated in the user instructions, but only if it works “for cooling”.
Why can't I turn on the heating mode? Firstly, it is ineffective, and secondly, it is worth remembering the danger of water hammer.
Checking the performance of the climate control device
Many buyers of climate control equipment are interested in how to check the quality of the air conditioner installation and its functionality? Professionals use certain methods, but they are only relevant in the spring, when the temperature rises to the values specified by the manufacturer in the instructions.
Experts advise filling the air conditioner with freon in anticipation of the spring-summer period. Otherwise, you will have to dismantle the indoor unit when it is needed most.
You can turn on the unit in winter and check the mechanical components, but only if you have a winter kit. The main conditions are that the tanks are filled with refrigerant and lubricant, and the device itself is equipped with a winter kit. If all instructions and recommendations are followed, there is a high probability that the air conditioner will turn on and function effectively.
Owners of split systems often wonder whether it is possible to turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter? Modern climate control systems provide for work not only for cooling, but also for heating, in reverse mode. It is a mistake to believe that the optional presence of such a function alone implies year-round operation of the unit.
So, is it possible to use the air conditioning system in winter and how practical is it in principle? Let's look at it in detail in the article.
- compressor crankcase heating system;
- solutions for heating the drainage pipe (for this it is necessary to dismantle the unit);
- a board with a special circuit through which the rotation speed of the fan built into the device is forced to slow down.
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How should the device work: heating or cooling?
Model with inverter
The situation is different with split systems. Such an air conditioner for heat and cooling works through heat exchange with the environment, which is why the outer part of the unit is fixed outside. Obviously, you will have to take into account the ambient temperature.
Heating by air conditioning. pros
Features of the unit's operation
Speaking about the possibility of turning on the air conditioner in winter, not only the technical side of the issue deserves close attention, but also possible problems, more on this below.
Question of technical implementation
It is necessary to understand that the compressor, which is a key element of the climate control unit, is located structurally in the block outside. This unit requires regular lubrication, and the consistency should be neither liquid nor viscous. The use of the air conditioner will depend on the external temperature and humidity conditions.
note! Why can’t the unit be turned on at sub-zero temperatures? You need to use the air conditioner extremely carefully in winter: at –5° The oil becomes viscous, parts overheat and wear out.
Be sure to watch the video, which describes one of the reasons why not every unit can be used at temperatures of minus 5 and below.
The air conditioner operates for heating. Free revision
Device efficiency
From an efficiency point of view, the operation of an air conditioner in winter depends on the operating mode of the unit.
Cooling the room
A heating device operating in cooling mode at sub-zero temperatures is a capacitor. If you turn on the air conditioner in such conditions, the efficiency of heat transfer will depend on external conditions - the colder it is outside, the better. This is quite logical and provided by the manufacturer. Modern air conditioners that operate for cooling in winter are used everywhere.
The principle of operation of the cooling unit
In the realities of a living space, there is no need for this, since the main task is to warm the rooms. To ventilate, simply open the window or one of its sashes. But in the utility room or server room, where a lot of equipment is located, the specified “heating with air conditioning” is mandatory.
Space heating
How is the operation of an air conditioner organized for heating in winter, and why can’t the climate control unit be turned on at negative air temperatures? In this mode, the radiator of the device is already an evaporator. Inside, the refrigerant gradually cools due to the temperature difference with the environment. Up to a certain point, everything functions without any complaints.
Different operating modes: heating and cooling
note! Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter? – It’s possible, but provided that the temperature outside is above –5° C, or when using specialized climate control units.
If it gets colder outside, the freon will not be able to fully warm up, and the performance of the device will decrease significantly. A strong cold snap can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the climate control device to 0. Therefore, if the manufacturer has not indicated that this air conditioner can be used for heating, it is not worth doing.
Air conditioner operation for heating
Split systems with heating function
How to check that the device you are purchasing supports the heating function? The instructions for the climate control device indicate whether the air conditioner can be used for heating in winter or not. Much will depend on the features of the compressor and the implemented control circuit. Traditional models operate at constant output, focused on average temperatures.
Unit with heating function
With an inverter switching circuit, efficiency depends on environmental conditions. The unit will turn on independently, and it will determine the fan adjustment speed unilaterally. Such devices operate uninterruptedly, and dismantling the air conditioner in winter is not required. It is initially ready for operation at negative temperatures: for heating – down to –5°C, for cooling – 10°C.
Convector integrated into the unit
Refilling the air conditioner with refrigerant should only be carried out by specialists, especially if the climate control unit is expected to operate at sub-zero temperatures. A professional is able to select a substance that is best suited for the specific operating conditions of the device. If the units are charged correctly, their service life increases. In all other cases, the climate control device is dismantled for the winter period and preserved.
note! There is a wide range of “frost-resistant split systems” on sale, the functionality of which allows you to heat rooms even at -25° C.
conclusions
Installing an air conditioner in winter is not advisable. Professionals advise carrying out such work only with the onset of spring, when you can fully check the functionality of the climate control unit. But testing of mechanical components is easy to implement even in winter, and in several ways. The main condition is the presence of a “winter kit”.
There are several problems with operating an air conditioner at low outside temperatures in cooling mode:
- Oversized capacitor
- Flow of liquid refrigerant into the compressor
- Increasing the viscosity of the oil in the system
- Freezing of condensate in the drainage (if it is discharged to the street)
Why do you need a condensation pressure regulator?
The first problem leads to a decrease in pressure in the system, a decrease in the amount of freon supplied and, accordingly, the performance of the air conditioner. The consequence of reducing the pressure in the evaporator will be its freezing.
The most accessible way to avoid this is to reduce the heat removal from the condenser by reducing the air flow through it.
This can be done by installing a fan rotation regulator, which is an electronic unit that regulates the voltage going to the fan motor via a sensor that is installed on the heat exchanger of the external unit.
Why is compressor crankcase heating needed?
During long stops of the air conditioner, at low air temperatures, all the refrigerant accumulates in the least heated areas of the refrigeration system, that is, in the outdoor unit, including in the compressor crankcase.
During the subsequent start, the liquid refrigerant boils (due to a decrease in pressure) and can enter the suction cavity, which will cause water hammer and breakdown of the compressor. Also, liquid refrigerant washes away oil from the surface of rubbing parts, which causes overheating and jamming of the compressor.
You can cope with this by heating the compressor when it stops, and a lot of power is not required, since a small temperature difference between the compressor and other parts of the outdoor unit is needed. Heating also solves the following problem - increasing viscosity, since when heated, the viscosity of the oil decreases and does not interferes with the normal start of the compressor.
Very often, condensation from the air conditioner drains onto the street, and naturally in winter the drainage will freeze and all the liquid will flow from the air conditioner into the room. To avoid this, install a heater in the condensate drain pipe, which will prevent the drainage from freezing. It is advisable to connect it in such a way that it works when the compressor is running.
In modern inverter (and not only) air conditioners, adaptation to low temperatures is already provided and they are capable of operating down to -30ºC.
Air conditioner operation in heating mode in winter
When the air conditioner operates on heat, the same problems arise, only the condenser of the outdoor unit turns out to be undersized.
In practice, this is quite difficult to overcome, so the lower limit for heating in winter is about -5ºC.
Since an air conditioner is just a heat pump that pumps heat, when the outside temperature drops, its efficiency drops noticeably and the heat output, accordingly, also drops.
Freezing of the outdoor unit leads to the fan touching ice, which causes cracking, jamming, and breakdown of the electric motor or fan blades.
The photo shows an air conditioner operating for heat at an outside temperature of only -2 0 C. At the same time, a fairly decent layer of ice has formed on it.
How to adapt an air conditioner for winter operation
But manufacturers of climate control equipment are constantly working to improve their products. For example, Mitsubishi has developed a special series Zubadan. It uses two-phase refrigerant injection technology and special compressors with an injection fitting. Manufacturers promise a power drop of only 20% at -25ºC. These heat pumps are used in Japan and Scandinavian countries for heating and hot water supply. The price for such systems is, of course, appropriate.
If you need the air conditioner to operate in winter only for cooling, for example, for use in server rooms, the best option would be to equip a conventional air conditioner with a winter adaptation system, the so-called "winter kit", which includes:
- Heating element for heating the air conditioning compressor crankcase
- Condensation pressure regulator
- Drainage system heater (if condensate is discharged outside)
Using this system, it is possible to reduce the operating temperature range of the air conditioner to -30 0 C
Everyone probably remembers the unprecedentedly high demand for air conditioners last summer. Moreover, they snapped up both household air conditioners and systems intended for enterprises. But winter has already arrived, which means the air conditioner can be put on hold at least until spring. But be that as it may! There is work for the air conditioner even in the cold season. The main thing here is to know how to use this equipment correctly in winter so that it does not deteriorate by summer. The site told the correspondent about all the intricacies of the winter operation of air conditioners Technical Director of MDV-Russia Alexey Zaitsev.
— It is not recommended to turn on the air conditioner, at least for household ones, if the temperature outside the window drops below minus 10 degrees. What happens if this requirement is violated, and is it really necessary to strictly comply with this requirement?
— The recommendations not to turn on the air conditioner at subzero temperatures are based on the operating temperature range of the equipment specified by the manufacturer. The manufacturer is required to indicate the service life of the equipment, and in many countries this parameter is established by law. That is, it cannot be less than a certain period. Since all air conditioners in Russia are imported, these terms apply to them.
If you do not comply with the specified temperature conditions, this will not only reduce the service life of the air conditioner, but may also lead to its breakdown. Therefore, the operating rules for the air conditioner must be followed. It should also be remembered that all technical characteristics are declared by manufacturers only within the specified operating temperature range.
— But you can still turn on the air conditioner in the cold season...
— Observing a whole set of restrictions. First of all, it is necessary to determine which mode of operation of the air conditioner we are talking about: cooling or heating. Almost all modern air conditioners can operate normally in heating mode at low temperatures. However, you should not expect the energy efficiency declared by the manufacturer from the air conditioner in such conditions. Under certain conditions it may be easier to turn on an electric heater.
It should be remembered that due to design features, it is easier for an inverter-type air conditioner to operate at low temperatures than a standard one. For example, MDV mini VRF systems guarantee heating operation when the outside air temperature drops to -15 degrees Celsius. MDV wall-mounted split systems guarantee heating operation at outdoor temperatures down to -7 degrees Celsius. The cooling mode for a conventional air conditioner at outside temperatures below plus 10-17 degrees is an extreme operating mode that leads to breakdown.
For clarity, I will give several examples of why low temperatures can be critical for air conditioners. Firstly, the bulk of air conditioners are household devices that were not designed for such work. Secondly, is cooling so often necessary if the outside temperature drops below plus 10-17 degrees? Typically, the need to turn on the air conditioner at such moments arises, for example, in the off-season, when the central heating has not yet been turned off. The main problems in this case are associated with a decrease in condensation pressure and oil boiling when starting the air conditioning compressor. At temperatures near or below zero, condensation, usually vented outside, freezes. This does not lead to a breakdown of the air conditioner, but it does lead to repairs in the room.
— What to do if, even at sub-zero temperatures outside, the air conditioning is fundamentally necessary?
— In this case, it is necessary to use equipment specially adapted for such conditions. For example, MDV mini VRF systems guarantee cooling operation when the outside air temperature drops to minus 5 degrees Celsius. If you need a separate split system, then you need to install a special winter kit. It usually consists of a condensing pressure regulator, a compressor crankcase heater and a drain heater. To avoid voiding the warranty, this kit should only be installed by an authorized service center. Installers can only be relied upon if they represent the equipment supplier, but this is not often the case.
— What does such a kit provide?
— When installing this kit, it is possible to achieve stable operation of the air conditioner for cooling down to -15C. With a further decrease in temperature, wind load will influence, i.e. in calm weather or with a successful location of the outdoor unit in a place protected from the wind, operation down to -20C is possible. Expanding the operating temperature range downward when working for cooling is also possible, but it seems impractical due to the high cost of these solutions.
— How important is it to use air conditioners in winter?
— Usually in the cold season, air conditioners are used for heating, mainly in the off-season. However, for the private user market this issue is not as relevant as for corporate clients. For various industrial enterprises, the operation of an air conditioner for cooling at subzero temperatures is a rather important issue.
— Considering that most users do not turn on the air conditioner in winter, is it necessary to take any special measures to preserve this equipment?
— Preservation of the air conditioner for the winter is not a mandatory procedure. It is much more important to carry out preventive maintenance of the air conditioner before the start of the new summer season. So, in the indoor unit you need to clean the permanent filters and, if necessary, replace the replaceable ones, which you can do yourself. Using the services of a service center, it makes sense to clean and disinfect the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, clean the heat exchanger of the outdoor units, flush the drainage system, check the tightness of the refrigeration circuit and, if necessary, eliminate leaks and refill the air conditioner. This work must be carried out every year. If your outdoor unit is located in an area where poplar fluff is distributed, the heat exchanger must be cleaned when contamination appears. These measures will allow the air conditioner to operate within the service life declared by the manufacturer and save on electricity.
The exclusive distributor of MDV in the Russian Federation and the CIS countries is the AYAK Group of Companies. Official website of the company
When cold weather sets in, happy owners of air conditioners or their potential buyers, choosing a suitable model, begin to ask quite natural questions: is it possible to turn on the split system in rain, snow and, in general, use the device in cold weather, and whether such experiments are fraught with undesirable consequences.
Modern models of climate control equipment, with some restrictions, can be used in cold weather conditions, and a winter kit for an air conditioner will expand the performance characteristics of the split system. We will discuss these issues in more detail below.
Operating principle of household climate control equipment
The operating modes of the air conditioner, which are responsible for heating and cooling the room, operate thanks to the refrigerant, which serves as a conductor between street and home heat. In other words, household split systems themselves cannot reproduce it, but as pumps they only pump warm air into the room from the street and vice versa. Heat transfer occurs through special types of freons, and air exchange between them and the environment is carried out by air heat exchangers.
In this case, the heat performance depends both on the design of the heat exchanger, which is different for certain models of air conditioners, and on the initial temperature of the air that is passed through it.
The compressor, located in the outer casing of the device, is responsible for distributing the refrigerant throughout the device. The oil helps him with this, as it begins to thicken in the cold. As a result, the compressor mechanism operates without lubrication, and its spare parts wear out ahead of time.
There are certain rules for operating an air conditioner in winter, failure to comply with which will lead to its breakdown, and this is often caused by water hammer. When the heating mode is turned on, the freon is heated and evaporates, however, due to excessively low temperatures, it does not have time to do this and the liquefied one penetrates the compressor valves.
Ambient temperature and humidity are interconnected - when one indicator changes, the other automatically changes. As a result, the volume of condensate released by the split system increases. It is removed from the device through a special drainage pipe, which, when the temperature drops greatly, becomes covered with ice inside. The condensation has nowhere to drain and it either begins to ooze out from the internal housing, or completely renders the air conditioner unusable.
It is permissible to use a household climate control device in winter, when the operating instructions for the air conditioner allow it, but in the meantime, observing all the precautions specified in it.
Heating function
Heating by air conditioning in winter is possible when it is initially equipped with such a function. This mode is usually marked with a "sun" symbol on the remote control.
Before you start using the heating system, you need to find out the lower temperature threshold at which you are allowed to turn on this function, and the air conditioner instructions will help with this.
By default, the maximum temperature usually does not exceed 0°C. But there are devices that can cope with frosts reaching -10°C and even -15°C. This is feasible thanks to a different type of freon and the ability to adjust the operation of the compressor, available in inverter devices.
Is it possible to turn on the air conditioner for heating in winter when the temperature outside is at the lower limit of the permissible limit? Not recommended. The thermometer can show it with an error of several degrees, which will become critical for the split system and cause it to fail.
If the device is working, there are no error marks on the remote control, but warm air is not coming in - the system probably needs time to warm up if it is frosty outside. This usually does not take more than 15 minutes.
Inverter model
When you intend to use the air conditioner as the only or main source of heat for the room in winter, you should choose an inverter model. It can be used without fear in such cold temperatures, at which temperatures cannot be turned on for a standard household air conditioner, even the most modern and expensive models and brands - down to -18...-30°C. In addition, inverter devices are much more durable, more ergonomic and provide a smaller temperature difference.
The obvious advantages of inverter devices are reflected in their cost: the price of such air conditioners is much higher than models of household systems.
Cooling function
When wondering whether it is possible to turn on the air conditioner for cooling in winter, the answer will be similar to the already touched upon topic about heating, but again you should strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Typically, the operation of a split system for cooling is allowed if the temperature outside the window remains at -5°C. And if there is a need to improve the air conditioner or increase its power, installing a low-temperature kit will come to the rescue.
Modification of the split system for winter operation
The winter kit for the air conditioner is equipped with devices that prevent the refrigerant from overcooling, provide heating for the drainage line and maintain the oil in a liquefied state.
The principle of its operation is as follows:
- the crankcase heater heats the oil in the compressor, which bears the main load during startup, especially in winter;
a device for heating the drainage system both from the inside and outside, allowing condensate to freely exit through the drainage pipe, preventing the formation of an ice plug; - The temperature sensor promptly detects their decrease outside and slows down the operation of the fan on the external unit of the device, so that ice does not form in it, and at the same time problems with the reduced performance of the split system are solved.
The winter kit is installed once and then performs its functions automatically - it is activated when it gets cold. Now the information about the temperature to which the air conditioner can be turned on, written in the manual for the device, can be neglected, because the winter kit significantly expands its capabilities - on average to -15°C, and in the absence of strong wind to -20°C. The temperature range can be further increased, although this is usually not an economically justifiable measure.
Operation of an air conditioner upgraded with a winter kit is permissible at a low temperature threshold, however, this is only true for the cooling mode! When heated, everything will remain unchanged, moreover, there will be a risk of water hammer.
Additionally, a low temperature air conditioning kit can sometimes cost more than the unit itself. It is cheaper and easier to install it immediately when installing the split system. It is also worth remembering that the warranty on equipment will only apply if it was installed by service center specialists, and not by the owner himself.
Using equipment in bad weather
Respecting temperature limits, the answer to questions about precipitation, in particular, whether it is possible to turn on the air conditioner in rain or snow, is unequivocal - of course, yes. The external module of the device can only be damaged if icicles and ice fall on it. Installing a special metal canopy over it will solve this problem.
It is important to make sure that the temperature outside meets the acceptable threshold stated by the manufacturer, or that a low-temperature kit is installed, before testing the air conditioner in winter or installing it. Too cold weather should be a reason to postpone installation of equipment or its first start-up until the weather warms up.
Preservation of equipment for winter
If the climate control equipment is not planned to be used during cold weather, then it is necessary to prepare the air conditioner for winter, i.e., preserve it.
On a fine day, when the thermometer does not drop below +16°C, you need to turn on the equipment in ventilation mode for 1.5-3 hours so that all the moisture in the heat exchanger of the indoor module evaporates. If it is colder outside, it is recommended to use the heating mode instead of ventilation.
In addition, it is necessary to clean the split system filters from dust and dirt. You need to remove them by opening the front panel of the device, wash them with running water and soap, dry them and put them back.
Disconnect the split system from the network and remove it from the remote control to avoid battery oxidation.
It is not recommended to cover the outdoor unit of the air conditioner with moisture-resistant materials, since due to accumulating condensation, as well as the inaccessibility of solar heat, mold will soon form on the outdoor module.
Summarize
From the information above, it becomes clear whether it is possible to turn on the air conditioner in winter, and also when it is not justified to do so. It is better not to turn on an air conditioning device equipped with a heating function in cold weather in this mode, and if used, then strictly to the temperatures specified in the equipment manual. This will prevent premature wear of the compressor and damage to the device.
A win-win option in houses that are planned to be heated in winter on their own would be to install an inverter model.
Before using the air conditioner for cooling in winter, you should carefully study the manufacturer's recommendations. But there will not be such strict restrictions if the device is equipped with a winter kit.
For information, we suggest watching a video on installing a winter kit on an air conditioner: