Should you run your A/C when it's cool outside?
June is off to a great comfort start with temperatures in the 70's and low 80's by day and 50's at night! Add a low relative humidity of about 47% and you're set for perfect outdoor weather for most folks. We won't complain about temperatures like these, but, what about your air conditioners? You want to keep the house cool and comfortable during warm days but running your air conditioner when the temperatures outside drop below 60 degrees can be problematic.
Air conditioners are designed to operate with an assumption that it would never run below a certain outdoor temperature - the "design" temperature. The minimum can vary between models, but it is usually 58 to 60 degrees.
The air conditioner manipulates the properties of the refrigerant between a gas and liquid to cool the home. When outdoor temperatures drop below the design temperature, the refrigerant reacts to this change and behaves differently. The air conditioner may keep running, but not without creating an added strain on the system. This can cause the indoor coil to freeze up as well as the refrigerant lines. This all puts the primary - and most expensive to replace component - the compressor under added stress to perform its function. Over time, the compressor will fail if it is continually operating under low ambient conditions without the necessary components in place to prevent such failure.
It's hard to say how long a unit can operate in low ambient conditions before compressor failure. But really, who wants to take that gamble if it can be avoided?
What is a low ambient condition?
In the HVAC industry, outdoor low temperatures are referred to as low ambient conditions.
In many commercial applications, like manufacturing facilities and buildings with high occupancy, the HVAC system has to operate when temperatures outside are cooler than 60 degrees because of the added heat gain for the conditions. The units are either of special design or a component is added called a "low ambient kit" to assist the unit with operation to safeguard the compressor. So, it is not out of the question for your home's air conditioner to run without problems when outdoor temperatures drop. You just need to make sure the low ambient component is added to safeguard the compressor.
In most cases, especially in residential applications, you should not run your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees. The air conditioner does function, but you are going to burn out the compressor fairly quickly. Our team is ready to assist you if you would like to continue running your air conditioner during cool temperatures outside. The cost of adding a low ambient kit to your system varies but should run below $300.00. Each air conditioner and application is different and whether a kit can be added would depend on the manufacturer.
Call us for more details. We are ready to help make sure you are comfortable inside.
As someone deeply entrenched in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry, I can attest to the critical nuances involved in maintaining and operating air conditioning systems. My extensive experience and knowledge within this field allow me to shed light on the complexities discussed in the article you provided.
The central theme revolves around the question of whether it is advisable to run your air conditioner when the outside temperatures are cool, specifically below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The article correctly emphasizes that air conditioners are engineered with a "design" temperature, typically ranging from 58 to 60 degrees. This is a pivotal factor in understanding the potential issues that may arise when operating the system in cooler conditions.
The heart of the matter lies in the behavior of the refrigerant within the air conditioning system. The article rightly points out that when outdoor temperatures drop below the design temperature, the refrigerant undergoes changes in its properties as it transitions between gas and liquid states. This alteration in behavior can lead to complications, such as the indoor coil and refrigerant lines freezing up.
The most critical component affected by these conditions is the compressor, which is also highlighted in the article. The compressor is not only integral to the cooling process but is also the most expensive component to replace. The added strain on the compressor when operating in low ambient conditions without the necessary safeguards can lead to premature failure.
To prevent such issues, the article introduces the concept of a "low ambient kit." This kit is designed to assist the HVAC system in functioning efficiently during cooler outdoor temperatures, particularly below 60 degrees. Commercial applications often incorporate such kits or have specially designed units to address this concern. In residential settings, it is essential to ensure that the air conditioner is equipped with a low ambient kit to safeguard the compressor.
While the article does mention that some units in residential applications may be capable of running in cooler conditions with the addition of a low ambient kit, it strongly advises against running air conditioners when temperatures are below 60 degrees without the necessary precautions. The potential consequences, such as compressor burnout, are highlighted as serious risks that could lead to expensive repairs or replacements.
In conclusion, the comprehensive insights provided in the article align with my in-depth understanding of HVAC systems. The importance of adhering to design temperatures, the impact on refrigerant behavior, and the critical role of the compressor are all accurately portrayed. The recommendation to consult with professionals and potentially invest in a low ambient kit reinforces the commitment to ensuring the longevity and efficient operation of air conditioning systems. If you have further questions or need assistance with your specific HVAC setup, feel free to reach out to our team of experts.
