What to Do With Your AC Before Turning It Off for the Cold Season, According to an HVAC Expert

Nearly 90% of American households use air conditioning, according to a 2022 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. As energy costs continue to climb, many people are happy to welcome cooler fall weather and give their AC a break. But is there anything you should do to the unit before shutting it down for the season? Hunker asked Andrew Kuznetsov, president of ADRIUM Service Solutions, an appliance repair, HVAC, and coffee equipment company, who said the main steps are to schedule an inspection and protect the unit from severe weather if needed.

“In my opinion, there is no need for the AC to be ‘winterized,’” Kuznetsov said in an exclusive interview. He explained that HVAC systems are designed with both indoor and outdoor components, and the outdoor unit is meant to remain outside all year. “The outdoor unit is built to stay all seasons outside. That means it’s able to work in different common conditions. Not extreme, of course, but it’s okay to stay and work under the sun, snow, or rain,” he said. In practical terms, if your area gets normal winter weather rather than long stretches of extreme cold, there usually is not much you need to do.

Still, Kuznetsov noted that HVAC systems rely on heat exchange: refrigerant in the evaporator coil absorbs heat, then transfers it to the condenser coil, where the fan releases it into the air. “If you want to take care of it during the winter and keep the condenser motor from rust and seizing, one option is umbrella or canopy positioning to keep water from collecting inside the condenser,” he suggested.

Covers can help shield the unit from rough weather, but they should not stay on all season

Even though an AC unit is built to handle outdoor conditions, it can still be harmed by leaves, twigs, or animals looking for shelter. Kuznetsov said a well-secured cover can offer some protection, but it is not a perfect solution. “The main mistake people make is leaving the unit covered for the entire season, because it can become a nest or shelter for animals,” he explained.

Since most people do not want to trudge outside in winter to check the outdoor unit regularly, the HVAC expert said it is common to find animals during spring service visits. “If you use a cover, it is better to use it during the rainiest or snowiest periods and remove it afterward so the unit can air out,” he advised. That approach also makes it less appealing as a warm hiding place for unwanted visitors.

Kuznetsov added that a properly secured cover can also help protect condenser coils during strong winds. Before putting one on, he said the unit should be cleared of leaves, sticks, and any other debris. “Make sure that there are not any obstructions on blades and it can spin freely,” he said. A quick cleanup like this can help prevent startup issues when warm weather returns.

When to handle maintenance yourself and when to call an HVAC technician

“I’ve seen more units damaged beyond repair after the family dog used them as a bathroom for years then I’ve seen ruined by winter weather,” Kuznetsov joked. While he said there are several maintenance tasks homeowners can safely manage on their own, such as changing the air filter every three months, he noted that other preventive work is better left to professionals.

He recommended having a technician inspect the system between seasons to make sure all components are in good condition. That includes checking capacitors, connections, the fan, refrigerant levels, and whether the evaporator and condenser coils are clean. If the unit is dirty, he said, it will not absorb or release heat as effectively, which can lower efficiency and raise operating costs.

Beyond clearing away debris and using a temporary cover when necessary, much of the best prep work happens indoors. Before switching the thermostat to heat, consider adding weatherstripping or heavy thermal curtains around drafty doors and loose windows to keep warm air inside. If you are trying to save money, even simple steps like moving furniture away from vents or reversing ceiling fans can help distribute heat more evenly throughout the home.