Should I Turn My AC Off In The Winter?

When the weather becomes chilly, you might wonder “Should I turn my AC off in the winter?” Many people think they have a definitive answer to this question. However, different regions experience varying weather patterns during the winter months. If you choose an answer that suits a different climate, you can end up with costly repairs in the spring. 

As Randolph’s HVAC experts, we provided an answer that suits the general climate of New Jersey. You can use this brief guide to determine whether or not you should let your AC rest during colder months.

The Minimum Temperature for Running Your AC

Most air conditioners have a minimum outdoor temperature at which they can run efficiently. When the weather forecast predicts temperatures at 60 degrees F or lower, you should turn your outdoor unit off and prepare it for winter weather. Once outdoor temperatures dip below this point, your air conditioner will not function the same as it does in the summer. 

If you run your air conditioning unit below 60 degrees, you could face issues like:

• Viscous lubricant that doesn’t flow correctly
• Malfunctioning components
• Frozen refrigerant coils

Additionally, your unit produces water and condensation throughout its cycles. This typical function leads to big problems when the temperatures dip below freezing. The water will turn into ice, which leads to frozen, damp parts all winter long. 

In New Jersey, the temperatures dip as low as the 20s. In the daytime, they usually rise to the upper 30s or lower 40s. This leads to a constant cycle of freezing and melting, creating perfect conditions for rust to develop inside your AC. 

Problems with Running Your Air Conditioner in the Winter

You want the answer to “Should I turn my AC off in the winter?” In New Jersey, you absolutely should. Doing so prolongs the life and general function of your unit. Running your unit during the winter will cause more problems than it solves. 

When temperatures drop, the lubricant won’t perform as it should since it has a thicker consistency. Since the lubricant doesn’t flow correctly, your compressor can seize up or overheat. This leads to expensive repairs and replacements

As your HVAC removes moisture from indoors, it deposits it outside. In chilly New Jersey temperatures, the water will freeze over. Ice can travel into the coils, preventing the air from heating up as it circulates. So you’ll lose the ability to heat your home during cold weather and cool it when temps warm up. 

Each issue can cause irreversible damage to a perfectly good AC unit. The worst-case scenario involves an extensive replacement and installation of a new unit or expensive repairs with new parts. So, turning off your air conditioner in the winter has a better prognosis. 

Preparing Your Unit for Winter Weather

While you shouldn’t turn your AC on in the winter, you can prepare it for winter weather. Appropriate preparation measures can increase your unit’s longevity and decrease your energy bills. Performing winter preparation for your air conditioner should be an easy task to accomplish. 

First, see if you can manually turn your air conditioner off. When you turn it off, you don’t risk it running during any temperature spikes throughout the winter.

You can also see if your unit has a freeze protection mode. Freeze protection keeps a small amount of heat running through the system to discourage ice buildup. 

Next, remove any debris or detritus on or around the unit. This may include leaves, sticks, dried grass, or insect nests. Such items can prevent your unit from functioning correctly later on. You can also spray the unit down with a hose. 

If you worry about ice or other debris falling inside the unit, purchase a unit cover that provides coverage for only the top area. If you use a covering that covers the entire unit, you risk mold and moisture building up underneath. Small animals may also find this environment inviting during cold weather. 

Finally, schedule an appointment for routine maintenance. A professional HVAC specialist will inform you of any existing or impending issues. You can decide how to address them to ensure that your AC works in time for warm weather. 



Get Maintenance and Advice from Comfort Specialists in New Jersey

“Should I turn my AC off in the winter?” 

Yes, you should. You can also learn if you should turn off your AC during a storm. Don’t forget to incorporate a regular maintenance routine to keep your HVAC system serving your family for years to come. Schedule your appointment by calling us at (973) 490-4881 today.