The Dos and Don'ts for Winterizing Your Air Conditioning Unit

Emily Fazio
·3 min read

Are you done with your central air conditioning unit for the season? Remember to winterize during the colder months. Doing so will protect against snow, ice, and potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. By taking these precautions, you not only shield your AC unit from winter weather but also help to optimize its performance.

We asked Anthony Carrino, home-improvement expert and partner at Trane Residential for insight on what homeowners need to do, and what they should avoid while winterizing their home's air conditioning system this winter.

Benefits of Winterizing Your Central Air Conditioner

  • Safeguard your system against snow, ice, and winter wind

  • Prevent water damage

  • Protect mechanical components

  • Prevent rust damage

  • Ensure operational efficiency

  • Eliminate moisture and related mold growth caused by winter precipitation

Related: Are You Prepared for an Early and Severe Winter?

What to Do

  • Protect your system from power surges or lightning strikes with a professionally installed condenser surge protector. "For homeowners who live in areas that get lots of snow and ice throughout the winter season consider installing a surge protector to protect your HVAC system from damage," suggests Carrino. "This device can safeguard your system's electronic components, such as the thermostat and circuit boards, from voltage spikes."

  • Check that the bolts securing your condenser to the ground are tight and secure

  • Use foam pipe covers. Air conditioner pipe insulation protects the condensate pipe during the winter months.

  • Allow your heat pump to de-ice itself with defrost mode. This function lets the heat pump warm to defrost any ice that accumulates. (Also, only use its “emergency heat” setting in a true emergency.)

  • Install snow legs. Some homeowners use snow legs to protect their heat pump in the winter. This is a simple step that boosts the outdoor unit above the typical average snowfall for your area and protects your system from flood damage. "We suggest a professional install snow legs on your heat pump before a winter storm," adds Carrino.

  • Put away yard furniture or other items. Be mindful of the wind that accompanies winter storms. Your outdoor lounge chairs, planters, umbrellas, and other accessories can cause damage if they come in contact with your outside HVAC unit.

  • Using a window unit? Take it out of the window. Storing window AC units inside is easier than having to insulate window openings and take steps to cover during winter months.

  • Schedule an HVAC inspection. If you need help, reach out to a pro about the winterization process. They can also provide insights into energy consumption, check for excess wear, and give your outdoor air conditioner unit a tune-up.

Related: Have You Prepared Your Hot Water Heater for Wintertime?

What Not to Do

  • Don’t use your outdoor air conditioner when the temperature is below 60 degrees. If your outdoor condenser unit is exclusively for air conditioning, you don’t need to do anything to protect it from ice.

  • Don’t run your system in the winter. While many homeowners believe that they should run their AC system in the winter to keep it functioning (similar to a car), this is not true. It can harm the entire unit if the outdoor temperature is below 60 or 65 degrees. "One important exception is if you’re using a heat pump," adds Carrino. "Although they function as an air conditioner on warm summer days, they are also built to run during harsh winter weather. This means that homeowners can actually run this system in the winter without causing damage."

  • Don’t cover your system with a tarp. Don't use an air conditioner cover made of heavy tarp or fabric. Strapping it on with bungee cords can retain moisture and can create mold issues. A breathable, mesh-style cover is better if you need to keep fall leaves from entering your system.