Can Cold Weather After Your Outdoor AC Unit? What Homeowners Should Know

Worried about your outdoor AC unit when the weather gets cold? You don’t use your air conditioning in winter. But you don’t want to find out that snow or ice damaged it when you try to use it in spring or summer.

Do freezing temps and winter storms really harm your outdoor AC unit? Let’s take a closer look at potential effects – and how to keep your system safe this season!

Snow or Ice Damage

We get about 12 inches of snow on average here in Wichita. That’s not as much as more northern cities. But it can still be enough to possibly damage your AC unit. Here’s what can happen to it during this kind of winter weather:

• Damage to the coils from heavy snowfall that freezes
• Damage to the fins from ice, sleet, or rain that freezes up
• Damaged fins and/or fan blades from a heavy covering of snow around the unit

It’s ok if you have a light amount of snow on the unit or a bit of frost. But you want to avoid too much exposure to ice and snow.

Cold Temps

Freezing – or even below freezing – temperatures shouldn’t cause any damage to your outdoor unit. But if rainwater or snow gets inside it, colder temps can cause them to harden and freeze. That’s when you could end up having issues with your AC.

Our highs are usually well above freezing in the 40s. But lows can drop to the 20s or even lower. If we’ve had any rain or snow, those below freezing temps may cause problems.

Pests and Wildlife

Squirrels, mice, bugs, and even stray pets might put your outdoor AC unit at risk during winter. When it’s cold out, these critters want to go somewhere sheltered, dry, and somewhat warm. Your outdoor unit gives them this kind of shelter.

If they make their way inside it, this can lead to a damaged compressor, coils, or other components. Some might even build a nest in your AC unit, causing even bigger problems. Or you can end up with a bug infestation if they spend the winter there and emerge in spring.

How to Keep Your AC Unit Safe

What can you do to protect your outdoor unit from all of winter’s hazards? Here’s what not to do – avoid putting a cover over the entire unit. That can cause issues, such as moisture problems due to poor airflow.

Instead, here’s what you can do to make sure your AC stays safe all season long:

• Place plywood over the top of it
• Clear away weeds, branches, or other vegetation around the whole unit
• Wipe down the outside to get rid of debris that could fall inside
• Cover exposed pipes and hoses going to and from your unit with foam

Remember that you only really need to cover the top part of your outdoor AC unit. Don’t block up the sides of it.

To make sure your AC is doing ok, check on it from time to time during winter, especially after snow storms. Brush off snow that has accumulated on top of the plywood or clear snow from around the sides of the unit.

How Can You Make Sure Your AC’s Ready for Warmer Weather?

Before it starts getting hotter out, have your AC get a professional tune-up. This visit gives our technicians a chance to check all parts and components for signs of damage – and ensure that your AC is ready to run!

Schedule HVAC Service in Wichita Today!

Does your AC unit need any maintenance to prepare it for spring? Comfort Systems has you covered! Call us to set up a tune-up or have any needed repairs done to make sure your air conditioning system is all set for warmer temps.