With fall officially here, we’re going to be expecting some colder weather. This means you’ll be switching over to your heating, but what about your AC? You’re likely not going to use it this winter and there’s the condenser part that’ll be exposed to the snow. To ensure your AC will work next year, you’ll need to know how to properly shut it down. Fortunately, we can give you all the advice you need to be certain you’ll stay cool next summer.

Here’s how you properly shut down your AC for the winter:

Fix any damage

Before you begin shutting down your AC, look it over and have us fix any damage it may have. It’s never a good idea to let your AC sit over the winter if it has any damage. If it does, the damage will likely get worse over the winter and become a serious problem when you try to use it next year.

Turn off the AC unit’s power

There’s more to shutting down your AC than just turning off the indoor AC unit. It’s connected to a condenser outside, and if that still has power during the winter, it may turn on during a warm spell and suck in ice and snow. To turn off the condenser, go outside and switch the AC unit’s breaker switch off. It’s often located under a flip-up lid near the condenser or on the side of your house. Don’t forget about this switch, because you’ll need to turn it back on when you want to use the AC.

Maintain the condenser

With the power off, you should take this moment to give the condenser some maintenance. First, use a broom to sweep away any branches, leaves, or other debris around or on the condenser. Next, wash the condenser’s outside cabinet with a low-pressure hose spray. After that, check to see if the filter needs replacing and ensure the seals on the condenser are tight and don’t look damaged. If there is any damage, let us know the next time you call us.

Cover the condenser

When the condenser dries off, cover it with a water-proof cover and secure it with some bungee ropes so it won’t blow away. You can find everything you need to cover the condenser at your local hardware store. If you have a water-proof tarp, that’ll work just as well as the cover as long as it’s secured and can cover the whole condenser.

How can One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning help me protect my AC this winter?

At One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning® of Springfield we have the knowledge and expertise to install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems.  Our team of technicians is available for emergency services 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and have many appointment options to choose from. Whether you need to schedule a service check, need your existing equipment repaired, or you need a new installation, we can provide you the most cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions for your household. Call One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning today to learn more about how we can prepare you for the winter!