12-01-2009, 12:55 PM
Direct answers:
1. Not necessary. Central AC units don't require periodic running to function properly when needed.
2. No, you cannot upgrade a central AC unit to run backwards and provide heat. That is what heat pumps do. If that is what you want, get a heat pump. A heat pump cannot provide sufficient heat nor cooling beyond a certain temperature differential, so it will not be sufficient in hot or cold climates. They work best in moderate climates - those with smaller temperature variations year round.
1. Not necessary. Central AC units don't require periodic running to function properly when needed.
2. No, you cannot upgrade a central AC unit to run backwards and provide heat. That is what heat pumps do. If that is what you want, get a heat pump. A heat pump cannot provide sufficient heat nor cooling beyond a certain temperature differential, so it will not be sufficient in hot or cold climates. They work best in moderate climates - those with smaller temperature variations year round.