Can running central AC when the outside temp is below 50 degrees damage the unit?

Answer by  mlucas (515)

Yes it can to make a long story short. All units used to be equipped with a heater that would keep the oil in the compressor from getting thicker and damaging the units. This is not always the case now days. SO it could lead to further strain on the unit and freezing up is a good possibility.

Answer by  strohs21 (181)

Each manufacturer has a recommened allowance of outside temperature ranges. Some commecial applications require units to cool equipment at all temps. The main problem is the outside condensor freezing.

Answer by  kennethjgoodson (4903)

It won't damage the unit but it may make the inside of the house too cold to stay in. The best thing to do is turn off the air conditioning when it is that cold. If you are out of town then it can stay but it won't be damaged.

Answer by  GraysonHomeServices (14)

A normal AC Unit has an inside coil and an outside coil. During summer, the heat from the inside is sent outside,fans rid of the heat. In winter, when the question refer is this: NO under normal use, if it is too cold, the unit will reverse the freon, via a thermostat. not damaging the unit.

Answer by  LeheckaG (1826)

No; at least not for a properly designed, installed, & maintained central Air Conditioning system. What can go wrong: Air conditioning refrigerant should not freeze, but it contains some oil to lubricate your compressor, old too thick/thin oil could seize compressor. Often/Sometimes water gets in the refrigerant line during installation/maintenance/repair, and the water could freeze blocking the compressor/coolant loop.

Answer by  Abigailod (27)

The cooling cycle can function no matter how far down the temperature goes, however the colder it is, the more efficient the unit will be.

Answer by  mellomindy (5)

Yes it can cause ice to grow on the coil. Once this happens the ice will serve as an insulator and will continue to freeze until the inside of the entire unit is a block of ice.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well no it will not damage the unit at all. Air conditioners are equipped to run in all sorts of temperatures.

Answer by  Liz59 (10966)

Well you know what, if you are running the a/c it will not damage the unit at all. It is built in for a reason.

Answer by  Anonymous

my asshole hurts when it gets too hot