Before you understand the question of how to turn on the air conditioner for heat, you should understand the specifics of the mode itself. And also determine important nuances – at what outdoor air temperature it can be activated and whether the split system can replace the main heating.
Operating temperature ranges of different air conditioner modifications
The functional units of a split system are a compressor, a fan, an evaporator, a condenser, and a thermostat. Auxiliary elements and design are at the discretion of the manufacturer. The main mode of operation of the devices is air cooling and maintaining the set room temperature. The algorithm of operation of various modifications is the same, unlike the principle of how to set the air conditioner to heat.
But before you set the air conditioner to heat, you should determine the optimal and maximum permissible outdoor temperatures.
Operating ranges and functional features of various modifications:
– On/Off systems – from -5 to -7 ° C (inefficient, suitable exclusively for the off-season);
– simple inverter air conditioners – up to -15 ° C (a winter kit is required, since the outdoor unit is highly susceptible to freezing, when icing, the system begins to heat itself);
– inverter models with factory winter kits – up to -22 ° C (weak compressor power, loses efficiency at critical loads);
– winter inverters – from -25°C to -30°C.
Please note: this is not official wording, but just a conditional gradation of equipment for understanding related issues – why the air conditioner does not cool or warms weakly, freezes, or turns off altogether.
It is also worth learning an unspoken rule – the t value specified in the technical specifications determines at what temperatures the devices remain operational. However, this does not mean heating or cooling efficiency.
Turning on the air conditioner for heat – understanding the nuances
A four-way (reversing) valve is responsible for switching the system to heating. It is located near the compressor, which, in turn, operates in one position without changing the direction of refrigerant flow. Freon heating depends on the pressure acting on it.
As mentioned earlier, in this case, the system begins to heat itself. To avoid such problems, before switching the air conditioner to heat, check the outside temperature and compare it with the parameters specified in the technical data sheet. Purchase a winter kit separately or give preference to equipment with additional factory equipment.
Having gained all the necessary knowledge, you can proceed directly to the system settings.
How to turn on the heat on different air conditioner models
Starting with the basics, it is worth noting that all modern climate control equipment is controlled by remote control. Modes are set with 1 or more buttons. The device is activated by pressing On/Off. Often the power button is identified by a symbol that is not a complete circle with a vertical stick.
Then, using the remote control, select the “sun” or “heat” sign on the air conditioner. On some models, calibration is performed using the “Mode” key. All adjustments are displayed on the remote control screen or on the device body itself. The sun sign on the display means that you have managed to turn on the air conditioner for heat.
The remote controls of different brands of manufacturers may differ. Some have duplicate information, i.e. the “heat” function in the form of a button and the “sun” on the screen. In others, on the contrary, there is no indication by symbols.
Important! After switching the air conditioner to heating, the fan stops for a while. Do not panic and call the technician.
Before setting the air conditioner to warm air, make sure that it is in working condition and is plugged in. If the device does not perform any actions when the heating mode is active, be patient. The reason for this is not a malfunction at all. Many models have a so-called “warm start”. Therefore, when you turn on the cooling, warm streams come out first and only after a few minutes of cold ones. The situation is similar with heating. If you have done all the necessary manipulations, but nothing happens, just wait 5-7 minutes, possibly 10-15, depending on the features of the device.
Don’t wait for your air conditioner to fail. If not repaired promptly, there is a very high probability that a lengthy comprehensive repair will be required. Even a few days without air conditioning in the summer heat in San Diego County, California, will greatly discomfort the whole family. But by calling the handypersons at SDAC Heating & Air Conditioning, you can avoid this problem.
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