The whole point of having a reverse-cycle air conditioner is the fact you can use it for both heating and cooling, right? Keeping you warm in the winter months and comfortably cool in the summer, these dual-purpose machines save you from having to install two separate units in your home and are often a convenient, cost-effective solution.
During this time of the year, in particular, the weather can be a little all over the place. Forcing us to require both heating and cooling over the course of one day. It’s likely, however, that at some point you’ve heard someone mention the risks associated with switching back and forth between the two functions over a short period of time. Below, we take a look at the actual effects on your air conditioner and provide you with some simple, easy tips to extend the life of your reverse-cycle air conditioner.
Will It Wear Out The Unit?
Generally speaking, switching between cooling and warming functions over the course of 24 hours puts no unmanageable pressure on the components of your air conditioner. While it does require the unit to work a little harder, modern reverse-cycle air conditioners are designed to handle a range of temperatures and environmental conditions. More than wear on your unit, using your air conditioner in this way will likely see increases in your power bill, as the machine does require considerably more power to switch back and forth.
It’s important, too, to always give your air conditioner a few minutes to rest between heating and cooling (and vice versa). Those four or five crucial minutes will allow the refrigeration components to safely compress and decompress, resulting in a better, more efficient function of the unit. Switching very quickly or constantly going back and forth within a few minutes may put pressure on these internal components and result in a blown fuse or tripped switch.
Mould Growing Inside My Air Conditioner
Ever taken an ice-cold can of soft drink out of the refrigerator and proceeded to observe little bubbles of water forming on the outside? Well, that’s condensation — and it’s the same thing that can happen inside your air conditioner.
Condensation occurs when warm and cold temperatures combine. Just like the warm air hitting the cold can and forming droplets of water, a similar process occurs on the inside of your unit. When your reverse cycle air conditioner has been producing cold air for a long period, the internal components are all cool to the touch. Switching to heating straight away will result in hot air hitting these ice-cold surfaces and producing a small amount of moisture.
This warm dampness creates the ideal environment for fungal organisms like mould to flourish, which can cause you and your family a number of different health issues. From cold and flu-like symptoms and allergic reactions, all the way to much more serious conditions, nobody wants mould anywhere near their home!
Always Consult The Air Conditioner Experts
Ultimately, when it comes to using your air conditioner for both heating and cooling, there are no real issues. As long as you’re making sure to follow the advice we’ve suggested and using it in a generally sensible manner, you shouldn’t encounter any problems.
If you’re worried about a possible mould build-up inside your unit or think it could just do with a comprehensive clean, contact HydroKleen today. The air conditioner cleaning experts, we’ll perform a full cleansing of both the internal and external components of your reverse cycle air conditioner to ensure there are no harmful contaminants anywhere within them.
Request a free online quote or call 1300-608-318 for more information about our Australia-wide services today.
