Mini Split Condenser in locations with below freezing temps

[jcommerce]

I'm struggling with planning the AC situation for my next 12 light setup as it will be in an area that can get to -10F or colder in the winter months. Most condensers on mini splits I've seen are rated to 5F minimum operating temp. I'm quite certain I'll have freezing problems if the condenser is outdoors. I plan on running the main room sealed with co2. The only option I've been able to come up with is to build an insulated micro closet near one of the rooms windows and insert a plywood piece in a portion of the sliding window (with a bar in window to prevent entry, of course) and cut two holes for exhaust and intake.

I know a lot of you out there are growing in freezing climates. I'd appreciate any and all input/suggestions/examples on how you're dealing with AC in these environments. Thanks in advance.

 

[qballizhere]

I'm struggling with planning the AC situation for my next 12 light setup as it will be in an area that can get to -10F or colder in the winter months. Most condensers on mini splits I've seen are rated to 5F minimum operating temp. I'm quite certain I'll have freezing problems if the condenser is outdoors. I plan on running the main room sealed with co2. The only option I've been able to come up with is to build an insulated micro closet near one of the rooms windows and insert a plywood piece in a portion of the sliding window (with a bar in window to prevent entry, of course) and cut two holes for exhaust and intake.

I know a lot of you out there are growing in freezing climates. I'd appreciate any and all input/suggestions/examples on how you're dealing with AC in these environments. Thanks in advance.QUOTE]
I'm in CO and this is the first winter with my mini split. I just put it in the backyard by the garage. We have only had a couple of days that were colder and cooling wasn't needed as much. I only had half of the room running. I built a 2x2 frame with R tech 12" bigger than the mini split with an open top and bottom so I can slide it over the unit.
I have not had to use it yet

 

[qballizhere]

I'm in CO and this is the first winter with my mini split. I just put it in the backyard by the garage. We have only had a couple of days that were colder and cooling wasn't needed as much. I only had half of the room running. I built a 2x2 frame with R tech 12" bigger than the mini split with an open top and bottom so I can slide it over the unit.
I have not had to use it yet.

 

[jcommerce]

I'm in CO and this is the first winter with my mini split. I just put it in the backyard by the garage. We have only had a couple of days that were colder and cooling wasn't needed as much. I only had half of the room running. I built a 2x2 frame with R tech 12" bigger than the mini split with an open top and bottom so I can slide it over the unit.
I have not had to use it yet.

Thanks, that's a good idea. My build is in Colorado as well and it was -5F for several nights in a row last week and only in the +single digits during the day (obviously, I'll be doing my 'daylight' lights at night (as always), but I'm just concerned about when the unit is not running, sitting idle. In this case, the insulation case won't help as the unit is not giving off any heat. Hopefully the refrigerant in the AC is rated to well below freezing. Sounds like you haven't had to worry about it, but have contingency plan...nice.

 

[Shugglet]

Why dont you just use a filtered air intake and cool your grow with that and save on AC in the winter when temps are low enough?

 

[Shugglet]

Air conditioning refrigerant doesn't freeze (at least not at any temperature on Earth). If anything your air conditioner will become more efficient the colder it is outside, the job of the outdoor coil is to cool down the hot refrigerant, the colder it is outside the easier that is to do...

They dont work below certain temps... a window AC unit wont work if its below like 50F...