Winterizing AC Units. A Down-to-Earth Guide for Canadian Homeowners.
Look, I’ll be honest-I learned about winterizing AC units the hard way. But after watching my neighbour fork out $3,000 for repairs last spring (ouch!), I started to research on how to properly protect these expensive appliances from our brutal Canadian winters. And now I’m sharing everything I have learned about winterizing your AC unit, plus tips from Ace Plumbing and Heating who’s been installing and fixing HVAC systems across Calgary for over 35 years.
Why Winterizing AC Units is Important?
Picture this: It’s the first scorching day of summer, you flip on your AC, and then nothing. Nada. Just warm air and regret. That’s exactly what happened to my neighbour Kevin last year because he skipped winterizing his unit. Trust me, spending an hour on prevention beats spending thousands on repairs.
Grab Your Supplies (The Shopping List)
Before we get into it, here are a few things what you’ll need:
- A proper AC cover (those cheap plastic ones from the dollar store won’t cut it)
- Foam pipe covers (get the thick stuff)
- You will also need a garden hose
- A broom
- About an hour of your time (and a coffee)
Winterizing AC Units. The Steps That Actually Work
1. Kill the Power (Seriously, Don’t Skip This!)
First up, let’s make sure your AC doesn’t try to kick in during one of those weird warm January chinook days (climate change, am I right?). Then find your circuit breaker panel and switch off the AC’s power. It’s usually labeled “AC” or “Air Conditioning” – if your panel looks like my old one, with faded pencil labels, take this opportunity to label it properly!
2. Clean It Like You Mean It
Time to channel your inner neat freak:
- Sweep away those poplar leaves and pine needles
- Give it a proper wash with your garden hose
- Then let it dry completely (important!)
Pro Tip: If you’ve got one of those fancy pressure washers, resist the urge to use it. A regular garden hose is plenty – we’re cleaning it, not stripping paint!
3. The Inspection (No Tools Required)
Then take a good walk around your unit. And look for:
- Anything that looks wonky or bent
- Rusty spots (especially near the bottom)
- Loose bits and pieces
And if something looks off, then snap a picture. It’ll come in handy if you need to call Ace Plumbing and Heating or track changes over time.
4. Pipe Protection (The Often-Forgotten Bit)
See those exposed pipes? They’re like our bodies in winter – they need proper insulation! Wrap them up with foam pipe covers. Think of it as a warm toque for your AC pipes.
5. The Cover-Up (But Make It Breathe)
Now this is where most folks go wrong – they wrap their AC units tighter than their Christmas presents. Don’t do that! You want:
- A breathable, waterproof cover
- Snug fit, but not airtight
- Some airflow to prevent rust
Winterizing AC Units. Some Check-Ups (The Easy Routine)
Every Week or So:
- Brush off snow (your AC isn’t a snowman)
- Then check that the cover hasn’t blown off
- Also keep about a hockey stick’s length of space clear around it
Monthly-ish:
Pop out during commercial breaks during a hockey game to:
- Look for ice buildup
- Make sure the cover’s still doing its job
- Finally, clear any new junk that’s collected
Red Flags to Watch For
Keep an eye out for:
- Ice inside the unit (not good)
- Rust spots getting bigger
- Weird noises (if you turn it on by accident)
- Cover damage
When to Call the Pros
Look, some things are worth DIY-ing, and some aren’t. Call Ace Plumbing and Heating if:
- If you spot something that makes you go “hmm…”
- There’s visible damage
- Especially if you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself (no shame in that!)
Getting Ready for Spring
When the snow starts melting:
- Uncover your unit (but keep the cover handy for the late Calgary snowstorms)
- Then check for any winter battle scars
- Book a tune-up with Ace Plumbing and Heating if needed
Real Talk About Winterizing AC Units
Here’s what I’ve learned after years of homeownership: Taking care of your AC isn’t about avoiding repairs, it’s also about peace of mind. There is absolutley nothing worse than lying awake at night during a heatwave because your AC conked out.
Finally, remember every home is different, and these tips are based on my experience with standard residential units. If you’ve got something fancy or commercial, then you might want to check your manual or chat with a pro at Ace Plumbing and Heating.
Ok, so you don’t have a central air conditioner, but you do have a window air conditioner. I just came across an article that gives you valuable tips on cleaning a window air conditioner.
Stay warm, friends! And don’t forget to bookmark this for next year.