What to Do With Your AC in the Winter Months?
By Space Coast Daily // November 19, 2019
If you have an outside air conditioning unit, also known as an HVAC unit, you may be wondering what you need to do to preserve it over the winter ready for the warmer months.
Winterising your air conditioning unit will protect it from rust damage and also protect it against snow and ice.
These tips and protective measures will help to ensure that your AC investment stays in top condition so you can continue to enjoy the benefits year after year.
Switch the Unit Off
Find the air conditioning circuit which will be situated near the unit and open the lid, which is usually made of plastic or metal and covers the electrical circuit.
Flip the switch to turn the unit off which will prevent it from turning on if there’s an unusually warm winter day, as well as keeping water out of the unit that may freeze as the temperature dips.
Wash the AC Unit
It’s a good idea to wash the AC unit with a hose to remove any dirt, dust or dead bugs that might have gathered over the course of the summer.
You should also remove leaves, small branches and grass clippings then allow it to completely dry. It may also be worthwhile switching air filters & having a new one ready for next Summer.
Install Foam Covers
Once the unit has completely dried, install foam pipe covers around any of the exposed pipes on the outside of the unit. Cut the foam to length and ensure that it covers the diameter of the pipe, using duct tape to secure it in place, as this will ensure that the pipes are entirely insulated and protected from freezing. You can actually leave these in place year-round if you want.
Cover the Unit in Plastic
The winter months come with a hefty dose of rain, so it’s a good idea to protect the unit with a waterproof covering. Cover your AC unit in a plastic or vinyl cover which will ensure the water is kept out and won’t freeze when the temperatures drop in the depth of winter.
Some manufacturers actually make covers specifically designed to fit certain models, so it’s worth checking which model you have.
However, if your brand doesn’t provide this, you can always fashion one yourself using plastic or vinyl sheeting, making sure that it covers the unit entirely.
You can use vinyl ropes or bungee cords to secure the cover around the unit and make sure that it’s tightly covered so that it won’t blow away in any strong winds.
Check it Regularly
It’s a good idea to check your air conditioning unit once a week to make sure that the cover hasn’t come loose and also to brush away any water, snow or ice that make have gathered on top of the unit.
You can also regularly remove twigs and leaves from the cover so that debris doesn’t build up, as this can become frozen and add unnecessary weight to the unit if left for too long.
