Nowadays, almost every home in Ventura County use an air conditioner (AC) to cool down during the hot weather. It can regulate the temperature inside a room and ensure it’s comfortable for anyone inside. However, some people have varying levels of comfort. Let’s face it, winter is SoCal can actually get pretty hot during the days, but cools off significantly at night.
With the hot days, the 2nd story of a home can heat up during the day and many like to turn the AC on before bed to cool things off. You may not have considered that it is not ideal to turn your home AC on when it is cold out. Doing so may actually cause damage to the the unit.
Will Running AC in Cold Weather Damage It?
If you turn on your AC when it’s cold outside, you may end up damaging your unit. Indeed, some models aren’t meant to be turned on during the colder seasons. For instance, ACs with a condensing unit placed outdoors aren’t designed to work in cold weather.
The oil inside the machine can thicken when the temperature drops. If this happens, your air conditioner’s compressor and other parts won’t work well since they’re not well-lubricated. You may end up breaking your AC if you turn it on during the winter.
On the other hand, if your unit uses a lighter grade oil, it’ll work fine even with a low outdoor temperature. However, your AC won’t serve its primary purpose during the summer if you use a light lubricant that doesn’t thicken when cooled.
If the temperature gets too hot, the oil inside the condenser unit may heat up or even evaporate. Your AC won’t have enough lubrication to work and may get damaged. Hot days will be unbearable for you if your air-cooling system breaks down. Hence, it’s best to refrain from turning on your AC when it’s cold.
What Temperature is Too Cold for Air Conditioners?
Your AC unit’s functions aren’t limited to simply cooling the air inside an enclosed room. It also works by regulating the temperature in a space to ensure it’s not too cold or too hot. For example, if the temperature is too high, you can turn it on to make the room cooler.
Some HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) manufacturers recommend users refrain from turning on their AC when the outdoor temperature is lower than 59 degrees Fahrenheit. Running it when it’s cold can damage the machine. If this happens, you may encounter more problems once the weather gets hotter.
If you wish to test your new model during the cooler months, it’s best to wait until the outdoor conditions are warmer. It’s advisable to turn on your AC if the temperature is about 59 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This way, the oil that lubricates the parts of the AC will warm up before running through the equipment. Also, this practice will ensure there’s no ice inside your condenser before you turn it on.
To emphasize, it’s best to refrain from operating your air-cooling system when it’s too cold outside since it can damage your unit. If this happens, you may need assistance from an HVAC company to conduct repairs.
How Do I Cool My House If I Can’t Run The AC?
The weather conditions that may limit you from turning on your AC commonly occurs during the colder months. If you wish to decrease your home’s indoor temperature and can’t use the AC, you can try these alternatives instead:
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Open Your Windows:
One option you can try if you need to find other methods to cool down your house is opening your windows to let some air in. Doing so will help improve the air circulation inside a room and get rid of the warm air. It’s also an efficient way to cool your home since you won’t use electricity to lower the indoor temperature.
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Use Thin Curtains:
If you’re living in a hot and humid area, it’s best to use thin curtains for your windows. Using thick ones made of wool or cotton won’t allow any air inside the room. It may prevent air from circulating indoors and result in a warmer home. Silk or linen curtains are good choices if you wish to keep your house cool naturally.
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Use A Fan:
An AC unit isn’t the only machine you can turn on to lessen the heat inside a room. If you want to feel less uncomfortable inside your house, you can turn on a fan instead. An electric or ceiling fan works fine regardless of the weather. Unlike an air conditioning unit, you don’t need to worry about the weather conditions when running a fan. You can install one in your home, or purchase a small unit you can bring to any room you’re staying in.
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Keep Your Blinds Shut:
If your house has blinds, it’s best to keep them closed during the day. The sunlight coming inside your home may only increase the room temperature. If this happens, you’ll feel hotter indoors. Hence, it’s best to block the sun out during the day and open your blinds at night when the air is cooler.
Conclusion
Just like any other appliance, your air conditioning unit also has limitations. For one, it’s not advisable to turn it on when the outdoor temperature is lower than 59 degrees Fahrenheit. If you wish to keep your unit in good condition for a long time, it’s best to follow its recommended operating guidelines. This way, you won’t damage your air conditioner, and you ensure it’ll function properly once you need to cool down your home.
