The winter season is a time for your air conditioning unit to go on vacation until the spring season. It is also the time when your furnace will be active.
To enjoy warmth all winter without a hitch, get in contact with a professional HVAC technician here to look at your system.
So, how do you turn off your ac for the winter? Read below to find out.
Turn off cooling mode
The first thing in how to turn off ac unit outside is to turn off your thermostat's cooling mode.
To do this, go to your thermostat and turn off the cooling mode. Suppose you have a smart thermostat. In that case, you can easily turn off your thermostat’s cooling mode using your smartphone.
Flip off the switch
Turn off the power connection to your air conditioner.
Asking yourself how to turn off power to outside ac unit?
To do this, locate your ac unit’s power switch. It is usually found on the back wall of your home close to the condensing unit. Lift up the cover and flip the switch from “on” to “off,” then you can close the unit cover.
Turn off the AC's breaker switch in the breaker box to ensure that it is completely shut down. This is an effective way of how to turn outside ac unit off.
Turning off any connection to power removes any risk of an ac accidentally turning on and electrocuting you when you are cleaning and preparing your ac system for the winter.
Replace the AC filters
Although regularly cleaning and changing your ac filters ensures good airflow, it is also another important step in how to turn off ac unit outside.
Since your ac is going to be inactive for a number of months, it is best to leave it with clean filters for that duration. Replacing the air filters at the end of the cooling season helps you start off the spring season with a clean and efficient ac unit. It also prevents any dirt from penetrating the internal ac components.
Safeguard the AC condenser
The condenser unit is the part of the ac unit that stays outside of the house. This large unit is exposed to all sorts of weather conditions and other issues like dust, weeds, stones, and rodents.
This means that you have to put the condenser in a safe space during the freezing winter. You can do this by creating a safe shelter for it. But before storing it away, these are things you must first do.
Clean the condenser
After knowing how to turn off outside ac unit and shutting it down correctly, clean it up.
It is best to do this on a sunny day to enable the water to dry off properly. For thorough washing, use a smooth, soapy cloth to scrub and a garden hose to wash away all the accumulated debris, grime, roots, and leaves from the condenser.
Cleaning the condenser (removing all accumulated debris) prevents the dirt from working its way into the condenser coils during the winter season.
Inspect the condenser and pipes for possible damage
Check for any damage to this external ac unit. For example, check for leaks in the pipes, cracks, rust, and dents in the condenser casing.
And suppose you find any potential damage or anything that needs fixing. It is best to have your HVAC technician repair it. If you don't repair any minor issues, the harsh winter will worsen the damage that will call for more expensive repairs come the spring season. Doing repairs before the winter season safeguards your condenser unit from suffering serious damage.
Cover the condenser unit properly
Most professional HVAC companies install ac condenser units with a fitted secure cover. But if you don’t have this, then order one with a trusted HVAC technician. Purchase a cover that is weatherproof (insulated and waterproof) and completely covers the whole unit.
You can secure the cover very tightly around the condenser with strong ropes (bungee cords) so that it isn't blown away by strong winter winds.
Types of ac condenser covers
These are the different types of ac covers you can use to safeguard your external condenser unit.
The ac cover
This is the type mentioned above. You can buy a waterproof ac cover from any home improvement store.
After purchase, use a bungee cord to secure the cover to prevent it from being blown away by the strong winter winds. Also, the covering should not be tied too tight. It should be loose enough to allow sufficient airflow to prevent moisture build-up in the condenser.
Structural cover
Here, the condenser unit is protected by a solid structure or shelter. This structure should have a minimum of 3ft of empty space on all sides (top and all four sides) between the shelter and the unit.
Plywood sheeting
This cover is made out of plywood. You can make it yourself.
To do this, get a sheet of plywood and cut it to fit the top of the condenser unit. Do the same for every side condenser side, ensuring that there is at least a one ft. space on all wall sides.
Place a heavy brick or solid object on top of the plywood cover to ensure that it remains in place.
Perform regular checks
Even after securing your ac system for the winter, carry out physical inspections of your ac condenser unit throughout the snowy season. Remove any snow build-up around the covering and any other foliage or debris.
Also, ensure that the cover is always in place.
Knowing how to turn off ac unit outside the right way and storing it securely helps keep it in excellent working condition. And when the winter season ends and spring season rolls in, you will have an ac system ready to supply fresh and clean air.
Seek out a trusted and knowledgeable HVAC company to cater to all your air conditioning needs. A well-maintained ac unit will perform to your desired level.
