How to Winterize a Central Air Unit

Central air conditioning cools blistering summer days, but needs special maintenance for winter.

Central air-conditioning units are usually on a concrete or plastic pad next to a house. They don't require a lot of maintenance, but you should winterize them before the cooler months. Homeowners can help keep their central air units working properly with a few simple steps.

Things You'll Need

• Whisk broom
• Water hose
• Central air unit cover
• Bungee straps

Instructions

1. Find the outside circuit breaker for the central air unit. This is normally in a gray box attached to the side of your home. Inside the box will be the circuit switch. Turn it off.

2. Use the whisk broom to clean any cobwebs or debris off the unit and sweep the area around the pad that the unit sits on. This will keep debris from piling up and freezing on the unit in the winter.

3. Use the hose to spray off the condenser coils inside the central air unit. This frees up any dirt or grime that has accumulated over the summer months.

4. Slide the cover over the unit and secure it with bungee straps. This ensures that the unit is protected from winter weather.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the unit periodically throughout the winter to ensure that the cover is still attached securely and that no ice has built up on the outside.

References

• Winterizing a Central Air Unit