Running Ductless Split ACM when below freezing outside

[shillamus]

It's a long story but some young associates have a garage full of heat source lighting and need to keep the garage cool. They keep the airconditioning on all the time

The mini split froze up when the outdoor temperature was 28 F. Indoor coils froze and line set froze.

It does not seem they would be designed to provide cooling in winter. And I think the user manuals specifically say don't run airconditioning in winter.

It is a Payne 2 ton ductless split.

any similar experience would be welcome.. but I doubt few have tried to run a ductless split in ac mode when it is below freezing outside

What kind of damage could have occured?

The sun did come out today and warm up the line set and hair dryers are blowing on the coils on the indoor unit. Advised letting it sit for 24 hrs and don't operate cooling when outdoor is below 45F

Like I said.. it is a long story.. Thanks if you can add to it.

 

[brewchief]

At least some Mitsubishi Mr Slim units are rated for AC down to 14 degrees outside temp, I have one that I installed that cooled a server room all year round with no issues ever.

Bringing in cool outside air would be the easiest solution.

 

[justinjoyal]

There are mini-split A/Cs out there that can be installed with a low temp kit (-40).

They're used all the time for server rooms, for example.

Your friend has a little grow op going on? [emoji848]

Bottom line is he should get a proper system for his application.

 

[tab2]

Don't know anything about Payne but Mitsubishi, Carrier, Johnson, etc are used up here for cooling below freezing all the time. Mostly for server and sometimes electrical rooms.

R410a right? I thought only it would freeze up if the pressure was too low.

 

[shillamus]

Ueah.. I thought harder about it.. I got bigger problems

 

[Falcon67]

There are mini-split A/Cs out there that can be installed with a low temp kit (-40).

They're used all the time for server rooms, for example.

Your friend has a little grow op going on? [emoji848]

Bottom line is he should get a proper system for his application.

We're stuck with "house" type units in our data center. 5 tons running 24-7 with 4 tons of backup. All with low temp kits. Only way to keep running in all kinds of weather.