Air conditioning saves not only from heat: nuances of using a split system to heat a house
An air conditioner, or split system, is used not only for ventilation and cooling of air, but also for heating it.
The split system consists of two blocks: internal (placed indoors, with a fan, filter and coil) and external (located outdoors, with a compressor and condenser).
In resort towns in hotels where there is no central heating, such systems are used as the only source of heat in winter for rare tourists.
Content
Split systems suitable for space heating
When choosing an air conditioner for heating purposes first of all pay attention to the presence of a heating function in the model. It does not increase the cost of the purchase. A significant part of the split systems presented on the Russian market both cools and heats the room. The choice of models and prices for them is very wide.
Photo 1. Scheme of the operating principle of an air conditioner with a heating function in winter and summer. It differs in the direction of heat transfer.
Peculiarities
The technological feature of most of these systems is that they can only work at positive outside temperatures or slight frostsOtherwise, either a breakdown will occur, or the air conditioner will automatically switch off depending on the technological solution used in it.
Each model has its own minimum permissible external temperature, indicated in the specifications. As a rule, this is -5 -10°С. But in the central part of Russia, temperature minimums reach -40°С and more. Therefore, heating with most split systems is possible here, but not all year round.
Reference. Temperature minimums are presented in climatograms. Such tables are available on the Internet for most major cities.
Another key feature of the split systems under consideration is their economy in heating mode compared to other heating methods.
The convenience is that no fuel required. Automation of modern models allows you to set the desired temperature and other various functions, such as air dehumidification.
Only the room in which it is installed is heated. split system. Therefore, if the building consists of many rooms, the budget for organizing such heating will be quite impressive.
Characteristics
Main characteristics:
- Power and power consumption (affects heating efficiency and energy consumption).
- Maximum air flow (determines the rate of heating of the room).
- Minimum allowable temperature outside the premises.
- Noise level (critical for night use).
The last characteristic is important if you plan to spend the night in a room heated by an air conditioner. If the noise forces you to turn off the air conditioner, and there are no other heating methods, the room will cool down quite quickly.
Air conditioner for heating the house in winter
To use the air conditioner for heating in winter, in addition to determining the outside temperature, the system is being prepared for operation in cold weather.
Preparing equipment for sub-zero temperatures
Whether you plan to use the air conditioner in winter or not, it is worth preparing it for significant frosts in any case.
If there is no exploitation, for moisture removal from heat exchanger device turn on for three hours in fan mode (please read the instructions for more information).
Before winter operation check the condition of the filters, clean or replace them if necessary. Check antifreeze.
Using a split system in winter
The use of air conditioning is possible when specified in his instructions temperatures.
In some cases, frosts can cause problems. For example, drain hole freezing drainage hose. In this case, turning on the "cold" mode will cause condensation to penetrate into the room. The problem is solved by installing a special heater.
Winter air conditioner operation kits allow the unit to be used at significantly lower temperatures. "Winter package" for air conditioner includes:
- fuse with a temperature sensor that turns off the system when the temperature reaches a certain level;
- heater compressor (crankcase), maintaining the liquid characteristics of the oil and refrigerant;
- heating of drainage system, described above.
Types of fans with heating
This type of technique is also used for rapid heating of air indoors. The main components of such devices are the heating element and the fan itself. There are many options.
By type of heating elements:
- Spiral heating element - thin nichrome wire wound on a ceramic base.
- Tubular. This type is called a "heat gun". It is most often used in manufacturing, warehouses, etc. It has a heating element made of quartz and nichrome, heated up to 500°С and often higher prices and energy consumption.
- Ceramic. The ceramic heating element is safer in terms of fire than the spiral one. It quickly heats the air, but is much more expensive compared to the first type.
Important! If the wire in the spiral device is not protected, there is a danger fire.
Types of fans in heating devices:
- Plastic (more often used in small-sized devices).
- Metallic (designed for large models).
By heater design:
- Mobile. Models with this design perform household functions, have an axial fan and can be easily moved.
- Stationary. This type of models is used in shops and services. The devices are fixed on the wall, have a tangential fan and create a thermal curtain.
By management:
- Mechanical Mobile phones are more often in control inexpensive fan heaters.
- Electronic are equipped with controls more expensive models, including those with remote control.
Useful video
The video discusses the benefits of using an air conditioner for heating.
Split system is an excellent temperature control system
Split systems provide fast heating of air with minimal energy consumption extremely useful in the cold season.
But because of inability to work at low temperatures, they cannot be used all year round in most regions of Russia as the main source of heating.
The operation of fan heaters does not depend on the outside air temperature, they can heat quickly and efficiently in any frost various rooms, including large ones (heat guns) and those with frequently opening doors (thermal curtains).
But energy costs at the same time will be significant. Which makes their use for commercial purposes more profitable.
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