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Knowledge Base · December 8, 2025

Using an air conditioner for heating in the cold season

Traditionally, an air conditioner is perceived as a device to escape the summer heat. However, modern climate
Daikin systems are complete air-to-air heat pumps. Using air conditioner for
heating in the off-season (autumn-spring) and even in winter becomes not only possible, but also more economically profitable,
than using classic electric heaters.

Operating principle: where does heat come from in cold weather?

Unlike an electric convector or an oil radiator, an air conditioner does not produces thermal energy,
spending electricity to heat the coil. He transfers heat from outside to indoors.

Even cold air at -10°C or -15°C contains thermal energy. In heating mode (Heat) cycle
work split systems turns in the opposite direction: outdoor unit
takes low-grade heat from the street, the compressor compresses freon, increasing its temperature, and transfers this heat
indoor unit, which heats the air in the room.

Energy efficiency: Thanks to this principle, per 1 kW of electricity consumed, the inverter
Daikin air conditioner produces from 3 to 5 kW of heat. This makes air conditioning heating 3-4 times cheaper than electric heating.

Temperature restrictions: when can it be turned on?

It is critical to know the operating range of your equipment to avoid damaging it.

Heating of commercial facilities

Heat pump technology is used not only in everyday life, but also in large buildings.
Systems VRV with thermal
pump
capable of heating office centers and hotels without connecting to the city heating network. And unique systems with
heat recovery
can simultaneously cool the server room and heat employee offices, transferring heat
from one room to another.

Used for industrial needs chillers with
heat pump
, which prepare hot water for fan coil units or technological processes.

Instructions for starting and operating in winter

To make the air conditioner work long and efficiently, follow simple rules:

  1. Enabling the mode: On the remote control, press the button MODE and select the Sun icon
    (HEAT). Set the desired temperature (eg +24°C).
  2. Waiting (“Warm start”): After turning on, the indoor unit fan will not start immediately.
    The system needs 3-5 minutes to warm up the heat exchanger. This is protection against cold air blowing. Don't press
    buttons again, just wait.
  3. Defrost mode: Periodically, the outdoor unit becomes covered with frost. Air conditioner
    will automatically stop and steam may come out from the external unit - this will turn on the defrost mode. This
    a normal process that lasts 5–10 minutes.
  4. Drainage: When working with heat, condensate drips not from the internal, but from outdoor block.
    Make sure water does not drip onto walkways where it could turn to ice, or install heated drainage
    pallet

What not to do

  • Do not turn on the “winter kit” to cool the server in heating mode - it is intended for operation only
    to the cold.
  • Do not operate the air conditioner at temperatures lower than those stated in the instructions (for example, if the limit is -15°C, do not
    turn it on at -20°C). The oil in the compressor will thicken, causing damage.

Conclusion

The Daikin air conditioner is an efficient and safe heating device. With the correct selection of the model, it
will provide comfort in your home all year round.

If you are unsure whether your model is suitable for winter work, or want to carry out a pre-season
diagnostics, contact our service center.

Need help with selection?
An engineer will come to the site free of charge and make an accurate calculation.
Leave a request