Rick Menard Heating and Cooling
Air Conditioning

What to Do With Your AC to Prepare for Winter

Nine essential AC winterization tasks to protect the outdoor unit through Ottawa winters.

3 min read
What to Do With Your AC to Prepare for Winter

Nine steps for preparing your air conditioning system for an Ottawa winter.

Maintenance tasks

Clean or replace the air filter. This maintains efficiency and improves indoor air quality through the heating season too.

Clean the outdoor unit. Use a garden hose to remove accumulated debris and trim nearby vegetation.

Protection measures

Cover the unit. Once cleaned, cover with a breathable, waterproof cover to shield against snow, ice, and wind.

Inspect refrigerant line insulation. Damaged sections should be replaced to prevent freezing and maintain optimal performance when spring arrives.

System preparation

Turn off the power. Switch off the outdoor unit at the breaker to prevent accidental activation and electrical issues from moisture.

Schedule a professional inspection. Catching issues now is cheaper than discovering them when you turn the system back on in May. See our AC maintenance service.

Home improvements

Check for air leaks. Around windows and doors. Easy wins for winter comfort.

Have ducts cleaned. Healthy ducts mean efficient heating too.

Install a programmable thermostat. Year-round energy savings.

When you are not sure

If you are uncertain about any of the winterization steps, phone us. We are also available 24/7 for emergency AC repair when something unexpected comes up.