As a homeowner, you might want to run your AC during the winter months for a couple reasons: to test the unit or to perform necessary repairs. If you’re planning to move, you’d also want to demonstrate to a potential buyer how the unit works by running the air conditioner.
If you’re wondering whether or not it’s smart to run your AC during frigid temperatures, read on!
Reasons to Run Your AC During Winter
1. It helps maintain comfortable temperatures inside the house
When running your air conditioner in heating mode,the unit will reverse its function, filling the room with warm air instead of cold. Therefore, it makes sense to run the AC in the winter, particularly if you have a modern unit.
But even if your AC isn’t reversible, turning it on the AC in fan mode can still help eliminate the stuffiness present in your home. It makes the room a bit more comfortable and less suffocating.
Just keep in mind that your non-reversible AC is still primarily designed for use when the outside temperature is higher than the temperature indoors. So it won’t work as efficiently as it does in the summer months.
2. Running the AC during the winter keeps oil circulating throughout it
Even if you just run the AC for a few minutes once every couple weeks, it helps keep anything from drying out.
Doing this also ensures you won’t miss any problem with the system.
3. It prevents refrigerant leaks.
Aside from reducing air conditioner problems, running your unit can also prevent refrigerant leaks.
When oil and refrigerant can’t flow through the system, it may damage the seals and hoses, which may lead to a refrigerant leak.
When Not to Run Your AC
If the temperature outdoors is lower than 60 degrees F, many HVAC manufacturers will advise against running your air conditioner. Otherwise, you’ll risk damaging the AC’s moving parts and bearings, thickening the lubricant, and freezing refrigerant coils.
Most modern air conditioners have sensors, as a protective measure, to keep the system from running in the cold. Older units won’t have these sensors, so running them can cause significant damage.
Should you need to test your air conditioner, wait until the outside temperature is 60 to 65 degrees F for at least 3 days.
If you’re also thinking about attaching low-ambient kits to a unit that’s running in cold weather, we recommend consulting with a professional first.
HVAC Services to Keep Your Home Warm & Comfortable
Nothing beats a cozy warm home in the freezing winter temperatures. If any problem comes up, you want the issue addressed as quickly as possible, so you resume living your life.
That’s where we come in. Our knowledgeable, experienced technicians quickly and accurately diagnose HVAC issues, then complete the necessary repairs with as little downtime as possible.
Aside from repairs and emergency service, we also offer custom HVAC solutions to turn your home into an oasis of comfort, with your unique needs and budget in mind.
Schedule installs, maintenance, and repairs through our exclusive Good Guys Home Services Mobile app or fill out our online form for faster service.
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