Timberline Blog
4 Tips for Winterizing Your Air Conditioner
Winter is Coming
A chill is in the air, the leaves are changing colors and everything can now be purchased in pumpkin flavors. It must be autumn in Colorado! It’s time to start thinking about getting your heating system going. But before you do that, take a few moments to winterize your air conditioner. You’ll be glad you did next spring when it begins warming up and you’re ready for some cool air again.
Why You Should Winterize Your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner has worked hard all summer to keep you cool, and you’ll need it again before long. Taking the time to correctly winterize and store your air conditioning unit can save you some headaches and some money next season.
A number of things can go wrong with your air conditioning unit over the winter: critters taking up residence, condensation and freezing, rusting, mold and mildew are a few. Winterizing and preparing your system to be stored properly and efficiently can prevent these problems. Contact us anytime if you have questions about making sure your system is working and stored correctly.
How to Prepare an Air Conditioner for Winter
There are many things you can do at home to winterize your air conditioner. Most are simple, and can be done by homeowners themselves. Here’s a checklist to help you walk through the process:
1. Clean the outside air conditioner unit
Clear sticks, leaves and any other debris build-up out of your unit, and clear roughly a 2-foot perimeter around the system.
2. Turn off the electrical to the outdoor condensing unit
Turn off the disconnect switch located near the outdoor condensing unit. This will ensure that if your thermostat is set to a lower temperature, your air conditioner won’t start up on a warm afternoon.
3. Insulate your pipes
Cover any exposed pipes with foam or rubber pipe insulation. Be sure to cut the insulation to size and secure it in place. You can use contact cement to adjoin the insulation.
4. Air conditioner covers for winter
Most of the time, you won’t actually need a full air conditioner cover for the winter. Outdoor air conditioners are designed to be outside, and should withstand the elements fairly well on their own. Air conditioning units that are completely covered are more prone to nesting animals and to condensate build up.
However, there are some times you may want to have a full cover around your unit. Blizzard conditions or hailstorms are good occasions to cover your air conditioner completely, until the worst is over.
Think Ahead to Next Spring
When spring rolls around next year, it’s best to schedule an air conditioner tune-up and inspection. Read more tips about air conditioning units here.
Tags: air conditioner, air conditioner maintenance, air conditioner repair, boulder hvac, denver hvac, hvac preventative maintenance, winterize
