How to Winterize an Air Conditioner

Air conditioning is a utility that the majority of homeowners use during the summer months. Air conditioning units come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with the two most popular types being central air units and single window-mounted air units. When the winter months come around, people tend to stop using their air conditioning units. Winterizing your air conditioners is an important part of extending their use and preparing your home for adverse weather conditions.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Tarp or plastic cover
• Bungee cords or ties

Instructions

1. Wash the air conditioning unit thoroughly with the garden hose. You need to remove any leaves, dirt and other foreign material from the unit before covering it.

2. Allow the air conditioning unit to dry and brush off any remaining bits of leaves or dirt. Make sure you clean the top of the air conditioner well as any water left on top of the condensing unit so it does not rust during the winter.

3. Drain any water from your window-mounted evaporative-cooler air conditioner. Evaporative coolers, also known as swamp coolers, cool the air by pumping water over a set of cooling pads. Any water that you leave in the cooler will freeze and can damage costly parts, so drain it well.

4. Remove window-mounted units from the windows and set them in a secure area off the ground. Storing them in a raised area will prevent condensation and rusting on the bottom of the unit.

5. Cover your central air unit or permanently mounted window air conditioner with an approved tarp or plastic air conditioner cover. The cover will keep water and snow out of your unit and prevent rusting of vital parts.

6. Secure the cover with bungee cords or ties to assure that it does not shift or blow in the wind. Any dirt or debris that gets into your air conditioner unit can cause your unit to stop working, and repairs can be costly.

7. Check your cover throughout the winter to make sure it is secure and free of condensation. Tighten your cords if anything is loose.

Tips & Warnings

• Use appropriate waterproof covers for your air conditioner. Covers that are not waterproof will not protect your unit.

• Do not leave any water or liquid on your air conditioning condenser.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish