TURN OFF AIR CONDITIONING POWER
Anyone care to comment on this information I receive by email from "managemyhome.com". I have two questions: 1) Should one only "Don't go to the trouble of covering the outdoor component of your air conditioner for the winter. If you wrap it in plastic you can do more harm than good, trapping moisture under the cover. If your unit has a large opening in the top of it, you could cover the top with a piece of plywood held down with a few bricks to keep the snow out." ... Should one only cover the top of the outside unit with plywood? 2) Should I shut the power off during the winter? It sounds like it is a smart thing to do. 3) Any comments / suggestions / advice / tips? Howie Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada See the info below that I cut and pasted from the email: TURN OFF AIR CONDITIONING POWER While we hate to admit it, summer is gone. It's time to shut off your air conditioner for the winter. There's more to it than just flicking the little switch on the thermostat from "cool" to "heat."
Answer:
Most (not all) outdoor condensers (air conditioners) have a compressor crankcase heater that should be left on. It's job (keeping the compressor warm) will prevent liquid refrigerant from 'migrating' to the compressor and mixing with the compressor oil. The heater (residential) uses about 22 watts of power and has minimal cost. If you start the unit without the heater have been on at least 24 hours MAY damage the compressor from refrigerant migration. Keep grass and weeds away from the condenser. Make sure there is at least 18" clearance from bushes, lattice, or what ever you use to hide the outside unit. While I'm at it, change your air filter! I am in the South, so AC is required. It don't snow here. I never cover my condenser and leave the power on year 'round.