Stages of Preparing an Air Conditioner for the Winter Period
As a rule, an air conditioner is used less frequently during the cold season, except when it is operated for heating, provided that this function is available. However, preventive measures are required to ensure that the unit can remain safely out of service through the winter.
Like any other equipment, an air conditioner requires regular care. Preparation for the winter period involves selecting one of two approaches:
- complete seasonal preservation of the air conditioner until spring;
- preparation of the unit for operation during the winter period.
During the cold season, even an inactive air conditioner may be damaged by low temperatures, particularly if errors were made during installation. Frost can adversely affect the materials and components of the unit.
(!) IMPORTANT! For seasonal preservation of the air conditioner, qualified service-center specialists may be contacted. If necessary, this procedure can also be performed independently.
.Drying the Indoor Unit
The first step is to dry the parts of the indoor unit in which condensate accumulates. It is recommended to operate the unit in cooling mode for 1-2 hours and then in heating mode for another 1-2 hours to remove moisture completely. If the heating function is not available, operate the unit in fan mode for an extended period.
(!) IMPORTANT! Drying the air conditioner before the winter storage period is mandatory; otherwise, mold may develop inside the unit, resulting in an unpleasant odor and the spread of spores.
Disconnecting the Unit
To prepare the unit for winter, disconnect it from the power supply and remove the batteries from the remote control to prevent accidental activation and protect the control board against voltage fluctuations.
Cleaning the Indoor Unit
Wipe the housing of the indoor air conditioner unit with a damp cloth. Then remove the cover, clean the filters, wash them in warm soapy water, and dry them thoroughly.
(!) IMPORTANT! If the filters are heavily contaminated, first clean them with a vacuum cleaner. Antibacterial treatment with specialized products may also be performed; work carefully to avoid damaging thin filters.
Cleaning the Outdoor Unit
If the outdoor unit can be accessed safely, it is recommended to clean dust and debris from its housing.
Installing a Protective Canopy
A protective canopy is useful for protecting the outdoor unit against ice, snow, and falling icicles. Installation of the canopy is best entrusted to qualified specialists.
(!) IMPORTANT! The canopy must be inclined so that snow can slide off and ice does not accumulate.
Installing a Winter Kit
Some modern air conditioners are capable of operating in cooling and heating modes even at low outdoor temperatures. However, operation without a winter kit may reduce performance and damage the unit. A winter kit includes:
- drain heater;
- compressor crankcase heater;
- condenser fan speed controller.
(!) IMPORTANT! Installation of a winter kit requires professional intervention because the kit enables low-temperature cooling operation, whereas heating is permitted only within the temperature range recommended by the manufacturer.
.Seasonal Preservation by Qualified Specialists
The "Air Conditioner Seasonal Preservation" service may be included in standard maintenance and is performed by service centers certified to maintain climate-control equipment.
Professional seasonal preservation includes:
- pumping the refrigerant into the outdoor unit;
- preventing activation of the air conditioner;
- protecting the outdoor unit against damage.
(!) IMPORTANT! Professional air conditioner cleaning is recommended at least once a year.
Preparation Summary
- Dry the indoor unit.
- Disconnect the unit from the power supply and remove the batteries from the remote control.
- Clean the indoor unit, and wipe the housing and filters.
- Install a protective canopy above the outdoor unit.
- If necessary, install a winter kit for operation in cooling mode.
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