How to Optimize Your AC Performance in Winter

Turning your AC on in the summer is completely normal, especially if you want to stay cool and fresh. But the idea of running your AC during winter might seem like madness – or is it? There is a logical explanation for why you need to run this appliance in the winter. The secret is to know which mode is best for AC in winter so you can optimize its performance.

Should you turn on your AC in winter?

The short answer is yes. Switching this appliance on during the winter months is a must, even if your AC is not the reversible kind.

Many are shocked to find that you have to use this appliance in the winter because they're mainly used to cool a room. Obviously, you don't need help with cooling in the winter but need some heating instead. While this is true, you could benefit from using the AC in the winter.

For example, you can turn on your AC when the indoor air is too stuffy, resulting from switching on the heating system. You can regulate indoor air temperature with the AC.

Which Mode is Best for AC in Winter?

Depending on the type and model of AC you have, it will typically run on several modes. These modes are designed to help the unit run with the highest efficiency based on the external conditions and the type of performance you want from it.

In winter, the dry mode is the best mode for running your AC. This mode is designed to reduce the humidity level in the room, especially when there is an excessive amount of moisture.

Running your AC in dry mode is suitable if you live somewhere with mild and wet winters. This setting helps to absorb the excess moisture by absorbing the humid air. In turn, it feeds clean and dry air back into the room. Choosing the dry mode in your AC is considered the most energy-efficient, especially in winter.

What is the ideal temperature setting for AC in Winter?

According to Energyrates.ca, the ideal temperature for your home in the winter is 20 degrees Celsius. At 20 degrees, your home is optimal for comfort and energy efficiency.

Use this temperature setting as a gauge when running your AC in winter. However, it would be best if you also kept in mind the difference in temperature and conditions within your specific region.

Why does the temperature of the AC really matter? Think about this – if your AC unit is not set at the right temperature, the unit has to work harder to achieve the right indoor air temperature. As a result, it also utilizes more energy, which could mean higher electricity bills.

The changes in energy efficiency might be small, but they can be significant in the long term, especially if you have to turn your unit on throughout the summer months. Ideally, the more settings you have available in your unit model, the better. More variety of settings gives you more options to choose the most suitable mode based on the prevailing conditions.

However, efficiency is not the only advantage of choosing which mode is best for AC in winter. Here are some of the benefits you can enjoy:

• Make your home more comfortable in the winter
• Protect your family’s health by improving the indoor air quality
• Optimize your home’s energy efficiency in the winter
• Lower your electricity bill

Will Turning the AC on During Winter Make it Prone to Damage?

Various factors can contribute to how your AC performs in the winter. You can run your unit without problems when dealing with mild to moderate winter temperatures. However, it could lead to various issues when operating the unit at a very low temperature.

The potential issues you will encounter when running the AC in extremely low temperatures are detailed below:

• Lack of lubrication – The compressor needs adequate lubrication to run smoothly. During the winter, the compressor could lose the lubricants as it freezes due to the cold. The loss of lubrication could lead to damage to the compressor.
• Overheated compressor – The compressor will produce more heat as it is used. Since the ambient temperature is very low, the compressor must produce more heat. This can cause the compressor to get overworked and become overheated.
• Frozen cooling coils - When you turn on the AC unit, it leads to condensation on the cooling coils (which is why water drips on the exterior of the unit). During winter, the cooling coils can become frozen and could significantly damage the unit itself. The outdoor unit can also get damaged once it is frozen.

Tips for Max Efficiency for Your AC

Knowing which mode is best for AC in winter is the first step to optimizing its performance. Help your unit work smarter so you can enjoy maximum comfort throughout the winter months without sacrificing the unit's energy performance.

• Make sure your home is adequately insulated.
• Look for any possible air gaps in your doors and windows. If you spot any, seal them up to avoid cold air from outside your home.
• Invest in double (or triple) glazed windows so you can control indoor temperature.
• Clean the AC air filters regularly.
• Keep any unused doors shut.
• Regularly service the AC unit for high energy efficiency.

Get Your AC Unit Serviced Before Winter

Proper maintenance is vital to keep your AC running in good condition year-round. However, the winter months can bring unique conditions and extreme temperatures that can make it more prone to damage.

Conducting pre-winter routine maintenance and servicing is crucial to ensure that the unit is in its best condition. Make sure to do this before the winter arrives so you can optimize the performance of the AC and avoid any serious (and more costly) repairs.