How to Prepare Your Central AC Unit for the Winter

In the summer months, nothing is more important than your central AC unit. When temperatures hit 90+ degrees, you are willing to do any and everything to make sure this important machine is running at tip-top shape so your family and home can remain cool and comfortable. But did you know that maintenance of your central AC unit goes beyond the scorching summer months? In fact, how you treat your AC unit during the brutal winter months will either set you up for a successful summer or a heat wave catastrophe.

As the seasons begin to change and shorter days and cooler weather come our way, now is the time to prepare your AC unit for the winter and make sure it is ready for your family and home next spring and summer. ‘Winterizing’ your central air condition unit is an important step for maintaining for your unit and your home.

Why do I need to ‘Winterize’ my AC unit?

Unlike other appliances that keep your home running smoothly (refrigerator, washer and dryer, oven, etc.) your central AC unit sits outside and braves the elements all year long. From rain and wind to sleet and snow, your AC unit takes a hit even on the most perfect of days. During the winter, your AC unit becomes vulnerable to ice, nests and debris that can lead to the unit rusting, getting clogged, or deteriorating all together.  

This can lead to costly maintenance when you need AC the most or an even more costly replacement of the unit that can leave your family in the heat and facing a huge expense.

Is ‘winterizing’ my AC unit something I can do on my own?

Absolutely! Winterizing your AC unit isn’t as tough or scary as it sounds and can be completed in an afternoon when following some simple steps. Let’s get started on preparing your AC unit for winter:

  1. Clean Up Take your broom and clean any leaves, grass clippings or dirt from around the unit. As the year goes by, these items accumulate around the unit and removing them is the first step to ensuring that they don’t clog up the unit later. Once you have swept around the unit, take a hose and rinse off any bugs, dirt or nests that have accumulated as well.
  2. Take a Listen Take a moment and listen to your AC unit while it is running to hear any noises. Do you hear any banging, grinding, clunking or buzzing sounds? This may mean you need repairs. Get these done before proceeding so your AC unit is spring and summer ready.
  3. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate What’s worse than a broken AC unit? A burst pipe. Insulating your pipes is vital during the winter months, to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Need help getting started? Visit the CenterPoint Energy DIY Home Efficiency page to get your hands on free pipe wrap just in time for the winter season.
  4. Take Cover (Optional) Once any debris is cleared and the pipes are safely insulated, you can cover the top of the unit with a piece of plywood to protect it from falling ice.
    1. Please note: We do not recommend covering the entire unit with a cover as this promotes moisture buildup and provides a warm home for critters. Manufacturers design condenser units to withstand a variety of outdoor weather conditions, including extreme cold and snow.
  5. Don’t Forget As the Winter months progress, don’t forget to check on your AC unit. Continue to maintain the area (clear any ice, snow, debris, grass or dirt) and monitor your pipe insulation

It’s never too early to start getting ready for the winter. Fall is the perfect time as the weather is perfect to spend an afternoon outdoors preparing your central AC unit.

Once your AC unit is squared away, have your furnace or boiler tuned-up. CenterPoint Energy Home Service Plus offers a furnace and boiler tune-up service where you will be provided with the expert analysis you need from one of our qualified technicians. They will run through our 16-step furnace and boiler tune-up process including investigating key components that may need to be replaced, as well as checking for dangerous leaks, faulty heat exchangers or ventilation systems.  Learn more about reaching an optimal performance with an HSP Furnace or Boiler Tune-up and be ready to take on the winter.