In today’s modern world, air conditioners have almost become a standard fixture in many residences. They are mostly used in the summer and are placed on hold during the winter. Like human beings, air conditioners also have certain temperature thresholds. If exceeded, the machine will begin to experience a certain level of difficulty in performing its required tasks.
Most manufacturers advise against running air conditioners when it’s cold outside, especially if the outside temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Consequences of running your unit below the minimum threshold can result in:
- The freezing of the inner coils.
- The lubricating oil will thicken and not assist the AC unit.
Solutions for the above scenarios could include waiting for the temperature to increase so that the lubricating oil can return to its normal state. In the case of freezing the inner coils, Anderson Air provides various home tips and techniques to assist in unfreezing your AC unit.
Will running my air conditioner in cold weather cause damage?
Most air conditioners ideally work best in the summer. In contrast, air conditioners with condensing units are not designed to run in cold weather.
To be precise, running your air conditioner in cold weather is not prohibited and can be allowed to achieve your desired purpose, whereas running your AC unit when outside temperatures are below the recommended threshold of 60 degrees Fahrenheit could result in complications and damages to your AC unit.
Most modern home AC units have sensors to prevent systems from running in the cold as a protection measure. Contrary to this, older ac units that lack those sensors may attempt to run and either fail to or experience a variety of complications and damages that may include:
Loss of lubrication will cause damage to the compressor
The compressor uses a higher grade of lubricant. During cold weather, the freon thickens, resulting in damage to the compressor as it cannot receive the level of lubrication it needs to function at its optimal level.
So, running an air conditioner when it’s cold outside damages it.
Irreversible damage to the compressor
The lower the temperature, the more effort it takes for the compressor to work. Using your air conditioner outside the specified temperature limits could result in irreversible damage.
Increases the likelihood of your ac unit freezing over
Condensation on the cooling coil may freeze, leading to damage to the unit.
Is it possible to use my AC unit during winter?
Running an air conditioner in cold weather is not good. The safer option would always be to refrain from using your AC unit during cold weather. Air conditioners are similar to other mechanical equipment. Some models are designed to withstand more pressure than others, so understanding the limitations of your model will assist you in knowing when you can leave it on and when to turn it off.
In addition to understanding the limits of your AC system, running an air conditioner when it’s cold outside is also possible when you use these alternative solutions. These will assist your AC unit to withstand more significant pressure during the colder months may include:
Installing a low ambient kit
One way of increasing your AC unit’s endurance in cold weather is by installing a low ambient kit. The kit is specifically designed to assist your AC unit to function at better levels during lower outside temperature levels.
Decrease the standard air conditioner temperature
The standard air conditioner’s temperature should be set around 18 to 22 degrees under heat mode for heating in winter. This adjustment will assist in ensuring maximum energy efficiency from your unit.
Run ac unit on freeze protection mode
Freeze protection/ Low heat is a mode that some air conditioners provide. This mode is best for areas that get extremely cold. The AC runs at a low power setting where warm air is continuously introduced. This mode prevents the room temperature from falling below freezing or reaching near freezing.
Alternatives to ac units in the winter
Although we would love to use our ac units all year round, it is not advised to use these units during extremely hot or cold temperatures due to the limitations of these devices. Their limitations do not mean the end of the world on days when you can’t use your AC system. Here are alternative devices when turning on your AC unit is not an option:
A ductless mini-split system
A ductless mini-split system does not need air ducts to operate. A mini-split indoor unit will service a single room or area. Each unit uses a separate fan and evaporator coil and is much more durable than a traditional AC unit, with a higher threshold against heat and cold.
Try opening a window
Opening a window is a simple solution with minimal fuss during scorching temperatures that might compromise your AC system.
Use a ceiling fan
Another simple option for regulating inside temperatures during the summer is to use a fan. It can be utilized as a temporary solution while you wait for your frozen AC system to thaw or as a replacement for the AC unit.
Heater
A less expensive option for getting through icy conditions that typical AC systems cannot manage. Heaters, unlike AC units, are not affected by external factors that limit their capabilities and should be able to get you through those frigid nights.
Insulation
Insulation is when you cover areas of your home to prevent heat from escaping or entering. This method regulates the internal temperature of your home and helps keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer.
Conclusion
Air conditioners allow us to experience comfort in our homes. However, it is worth noting that they possess thresholds. Outside temperatures that exceed the minimum and maximum thresholds on your ac unit may cause damage to it. When these criteria are exceeded, whether in the summer or winter, it is best to turn off your air conditioning system and look for another solution.
To understand the threshold barrier of your AC unit, reach out to a reputable air conditioning and heating company. They will check your system and inform you of their limits. And this will help you know when running ac when it’s cold outside is not viable.
If your AC unit ends up freezing, read more on how to unfreeze it.
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