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11/09/2010 09:16:42 PM · #1 |
I'll try here b/c I can't find this online.
I have an Amana central unit. It is a few years old.
I find that when outdoor temnp dips to about 60ish, the compressor does not kick on. The "inside" the house part runs but it is basically just pushing air around with the fan.
Here in New Orleans it is very damp. We like to run the AC during the night even if it is in the 50s. It takes the damp stuffiness out of the air.
I've heard that some systems wont kick on below a certain temp outside.
Is this true? What can I do?
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11/09/2010 09:20:22 PM · #2 |
| I know next to nothing about Amana units, but when I've had HVAC questions in the past i have had good luck with some of the posters over at //hvac-talk.com/vbb/ |
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11/09/2010 09:26:02 PM · #3 |
Running an air conditioner when temps are below 60 degrees can cause serious damage the system so it is not advisable. My understanding is the cold draws excess coolant into the outdoor unit and the coolant becomes liquid and that can cause the rod in the compressor to get bent. It would be better to find another alternative.
Message edited by author 2010-11-09 21:26:41. |
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11/09/2010 09:29:24 PM · #4 |
I thought this might be an issue. However, we have another Amana model for "downstairs" that seems to cool even below 60 !
Originally posted by PapaBob:
Running an air conditioner when temps are below 60 degrees can cause serious damage the system so it is not advisable. My understanding is the cold draws excess coolant into the outdoor unit and the coolant becomes liquid and that can cause the rod in the compressor to get bent. It would be better to find another alternative. |
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11/09/2010 09:34:22 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by kenskid:
I thought this might be an issue. However, we have another Amana model for "downstairs" that seems to cool even below 60 !
Originally posted by PapaBob:
Running an air conditioner when temps are below 60 degrees can cause serious damage the system so it is not advisable. My understanding is the cold draws excess coolant into the outdoor unit and the coolant becomes liquid and that can cause the rod in the compressor to get bent. It would be better to find another alternative. |
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Most models will run, I used to manage a warehouse in Ohio and we ran one for our office all year long, sometimes it was covered with snow. But I do home inspections for a living and all the training and information I have seen says do not run them under 60 degrees or you can damage the system. With the expense of a new unit I think it is best to not take chances but most units will operate under 60 but some have will not. |
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11/09/2010 09:36:16 PM · #6 |
| DONT RUN the air if it drops below 60, its very bad on the compressor, and is likely your problem.... just go get a dehumidifier. |
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11/09/2010 09:37:32 PM · #7 |
I believe the operating range of the AC unit depends on the choice of the refrigerant used (R-22 being a common choice from what I read). The boiling point of the gas limits the temperature range in which it is usable to transport heat.
My uneducated guess is you might be able to have a technician replace the refrigerant in your unit with another choice that will allow your unit to work at lower temperatures (albeit limiting its efficiency in higher temperatures).
Another choice I guess would be to get an air dehumidifier.
Message edited by author 2010-11-10 06:22:00. |
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11/09/2010 09:44:50 PM · #8 |
Well I can tell ya...i can't change the refrigerant if it means less efficiency in the New Orleans Summer !
With all the answers here...I have to assume that the below 60 thing is correct.
I'll call the tech tomorrow to get a definite answer...we have a long relationship with them so the advice will be free ....LOL.
I'll also check on the dehumidifier.
Originally posted by wiesener:
I believe the operating range of the AC unit depends on the choice of the refrigerant used (R-22 being a common choice from what I read). The boiling point of the gas limits the temperature range in which it is usable to transport heat.
My uneducated guess is you might be able to have a technician replace the refrigerant in your unit with another choice that will allow your unit to work at lower temperatures (albeit limiting its efficiency in higher temperatures).
Another choice I guess would be to get a air dehumidifier. |
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