Winter Care Tips for Your AC Compressor to Protect Your Investment

The compressor in your air conditioner circulates and pressurizes the refrigerant and raises the temperature and pressure of refrigerant gas. It plays a key role in your unit’s cooling process. Let’s explore how you can protect your AC compressor during the winter.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubricating the moving parts in your air conditioner’s motor prevents the air compressor from rusting or corroding. It also betters the chance of this key component surviving snow, ice and other winter weather.

Inspect the Electrical Components

Inspect all of the electrical components for wear and tear and have an HVAC technician repair or replace them as needed before winter.

Clean the Outdoor Unit

Remove debris like leaves, dirt and grass clippings on and around the outdoor unit as part of your air compressor winterizing.

Check for Damage

As you clean the outdoor unit, look for signs of wear and tear or other damage like holes or water leaks. Have an HVAC technician make any needed AC repairs before cold weather arrives.

Cover the Outdoor Unit

Use a breathable material like woven polyester or PVC to cover the outdoor unit and help protect the air compressor for the season.

Insulate the Pipes

Insulating the exposed pipes protects them from freezing and minimizes damage from winter weather to your air conditioner and air compressor.

Elevate the Unit

You can also protect the air conditioner and the compressor by elevating the unit, if possible, to keep it away from snow and ice on the ground.

Regularly Remove Snow and Ice

Remember to remove snow and ice that build up on the outdoor unit, even if you have it covered and elevated, to avoid compressor damage.

Build a Shelter

Build a shelter using an awning over your air conditioner unit to help it endure winter weather better.

Regularly Inspect the Unit

During the long winter, regularly inspect your AC unit for signs of weather damage or any mechanical or structural issues that could compromise the compressor’s function.

Use a Crankcase Heater

Make sure the crankcase heater, if your unit has one, works properly so you can keep the oil warm.

Use Mesh as a Rodent Deterrent

Keep rodents out of the air conditioner and away from the compressor by using mesh to deter them.

Check the Refrigerant Levels

Before winter, ensure the air conditioner has enough refrigerant and have it refilled as needed to avoid compromising the air compressor’s function next summer.

Clean the Coils

Have an HVAC technician clean the coils before winter to remove any dirt and debris. Clean coils help your AC work better and prevent water leaks and freezing.

Inspect the Drainage System

Make sure the drainage system remains clear and does not have clogs that could prevent the compressor from working normally.

Check the Fan Blades

Before covering the outdoor unit for the winter, take a look at the fan blades and have an HVAC technician repair any that show signs of damage or wear.

Examine the Insulation

Intact insulation helps your air compressor remain in good condition during the winter. Add or replace insulation if needed before winter arrives.

Listen for Unusual Noises

Pay attention to any noises your HVAC system makes during the winter. Unusual noises like whistling or squealing could indicate the unit or air compressor needs immediate repairs.

Keep a Record

As spring nears, you might have trouble remembering the preventative care you used to prepare this vital part for winter. Keep a written record or a record on your phone to help you remember what, if any, care it needs once warmer weather arrives.

Schedule Professional HVAC Maintenance

A professional HVAC technician will know what measures to take to keep this vital AC part intact during the winter months. Routine maintenance improves the chance you can turn on and use the air conditioner without having to make costly repairs or replace parts like the compressor in it.

Our local heating and air conditioning services business has provided customers in the Puyallup, WA service area with effective HVAC services for more than 70 years. We also provide Carrier products and install and service air-quality equipment and ductwork. Our business has 24/7 emergency repair services available. Contact us to learn more about our air conditioner maintenance services.