As cooler weather arrives in London, Ontario, it’s time to prepare your air conditioner for winter. Properly shutting down your central air conditioner helps protect the outdoor unit from winter weather and prepares it for the next cooling season. Follow these four steps from Salmon Plumbing & Heating to get your air conditioner ready for winter.
Step 1: Turn Off the Air Conditioner Power
Turn off the breaker on your electrical panel. This prevents the air conditioner from accidentally turning on during a warm spell, which could cause damage if ice or snow has built up.
If you’re unsure which breaker controls your air conditioner, ask our technician when you are having your unit serviced.
Step 2: Clean the Outdoor Air Conditioner Unit
Remove leaves, grass clippings and other debris from around your outdoor air conditioner. With the power turned off, gently rinse the exterior coil and cabinet with a garden hose. Avoid using a pressure washer or spraying electrical components directly.
Allow the unit to drain naturally and keep the area around it clear of debris.
Step 3: Cover the Air Conditioner (Optional)
Place a piece of plywood weighted down with some bricks over the top of the unit. This helps keep out snow, ice, and debris.
If you choose to use an air conditioner cover, make sure it is open at the bottom. This allows air to circulate and helps reduce condensation and moisture buildup inside the unit, which can lead to corrosion.
Step 4: Keep Snow away from your Air Conditioner
You don’t need to routinely shovel snow away from your air conditioner. However, when clearing your driveway or walkways, avoid piling or blowing snow onto the outdoor unit.
Excessive snow and ice around the unit can trap moisture and potentially cause damage. Keep snow from being deliberately piled against or over the air conditioner during the winter.
While you’re outside clearing snow, take a moment to make sure your furnace exhaust and air intake vents are clear of snow and ice. Blocked vents can interfere with your furnace and create a safety concern.
Read our article about keeping your furnace vents clear in winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I turn off the power to my air conditioner for the winter?
Yes. Turning off the power at the outdoor disconnect helps prevent the air conditioner from operating accidentally during the winter.
Should I cover my air conditioner in the winter?
In London, covering the top of the outdoor unit is optional. If you use a cover, make sure it is open at the bottom to allow air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.
Should I shovel snow away from my air conditioner?
You don’t need to routinely shovel snow away from the unit. However, avoid piling or blowing snow onto the air conditioner when clearing your driveway or walkways.
Can snow damage my outdoor air conditioner?
Snow itself generally isn’t a problem, but large amounts of snow and ice piled around or on the unit can create moisture and other problems. Avoid deliberately piling snow against the unit.
Do I need to clean my air conditioner before winter?
It’s a good idea to remove leaves, grass, and other debris from around the outdoor unit before winter. You can gently rinse the unit with a garden hose if needed, but make sure the power is off first.
What should I do if my air conditioner isn’t working properly before winter?
If you notice unusual noises, leaks, poor cooling, or other problems at the end of the cooling season, have the system checked before shutting it down for the winter.
How often should I have my air conditioner serviced?
We recommend having your air conditioner checked annually. It’s best to have it serviced on a warm day when the system can be properly tested, so don’t wait until the weather turns cold.
In London, early fall is an ideal time to have both your air conditioner and furnace checked. Annual maintenance can help keep your equipment operating efficiently and will keep your manufacturer’s warranty requirements up to date.
