Will I damage my central air unit if I'm running it when outside temp is 50 degrees

[Meast21]

I need to cool down my basement. At night its 50 degrees here, could that damage my outside central air unit??

 

[Tangerine_]

Why do you need to cool lower than 50?
And yes, I'd imagine that would cause some issue

 

[jimihendrix1]

May cause it to freeze up, and overheat

 

[Meast21]

May cause it to freeze up, and overheat

I never run it below 50... My basement is 77 and air goes down there.

 

[jimihendrix1]

In most cases, especially in residential applications, you should not run your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees. The air conditioner does function, but you are going to burn out the compressor fairly quickly. The cost of adding a low ambient kit to your system varies but should run below $300.00. Each air conditioner and application is different and whether a kit can be added would depend on the manufacturer.

 

[Meast21]

In most cases, especially in residential applications, you should not run your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees. The air conditioner does function, but you are going to burn out the compressor fairly quickly. The cost of adding a low ambient kit to your system varies but should run below $300.00. Each air conditioner and application is different and whether a kit can be added would depend on the manufacturer.

I added a low ambient kit for $250.

 

[Meast21]

In most cases, especially in residential applications, you should not run your air conditioner when outdoor temperatures are below 60 degrees. The air conditioner does function, but you are going to burn out the compressor fairly quickly. The cost of adding a low ambient kit to your system varies but should run below $300.00. Each air conditioner and application is different and whether a kit can be added would depend on the manufacturer.

What does the kit actually do??

 

[Herb & Suds]

If it is a central air system it isn't that expensive to install a low ambient kit

 

[Herb & Suds]

What does the kit actually do??

controls the outside fan to allow for colder temps

 

[Three Berries]

How about blocking some of the condenser aka cardboard in front of the radiator?

 

[Zinger59]

I need to cool down my basement. At night its 50 degrees here, could that damage my outside central air unit??

No, it will not damage your heat exchanger at lower temperatures. The unit outside is a compressor and fan that draws ambient air through coils and fins that dissipate the heat collected from the air passing through your furnace "A" coil in your house. Lower outdoor temps. actually help the efficiency of the unit.

 

[Herb & Suds]

No, it will not damage your heat exchanger at lower temperatures. The unit outside is a compressor and fan that draws ambient air through coils and fins that dissipate the heat collected from the air passing through your furnace "A" coil in your house. Lower outdoor temps. actually help the efficiency of the unit.

Where did anyone mention a “heat exchanger “?