End-of-Season AC Storage & Shutdown: What You Must Do Before Winter Hi

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When cooling season ends, most people do one of two things:

Turn the thermostat off and forget about the AC
Throw a cover on it and hope for the best

Both approaches cause problems.

Your air conditioner doesn’t stop aging just because it’s cold outside. Winter damage usually comes from moisture, debris, electrical exposure, and poor shutdown habits—not from the cold itself.

2.5 Ton Up To 15 SEER2 Goodman Air Conditioner Model - GLXS3BN3010

This guide walks you through what actually matters before winter hits, so your AC is protected, your spring startup is smooth, and your system doesn’t lose years of life while it’s “doing nothing.”

🧠 Why End-of-Season Shutdown Matters More Than You Think

Winter isn’t neutral for an AC system.

Without proper shutdown, winter can cause:

Coil corrosion
Electrical moisture damage
Pest intrusion
Pad shifting and leveling issues
Hidden damage that only shows up in spring

The U.S. Department of Energy confirms that off-season care plays a major role in long-term AC reliability and efficiency.

https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/air-conditioner-maintenance

Tony Truth:

Most spring breakdowns actually start in winter—you just don’t hear them yet.

🔌 Step 1: Shut Off Power the Right Way (This Is Non-Negotiable)

This is the single most important winter step.

✅ What to Do

Turn off power at the outdoor disconnect
Confirm the unit will not start
Leave indoor thermostat settings alone if you have a furnace

❌ What Not to Do

Don’t rely only on the thermostat
Don’t pull breakers unless required
Don’t leave power live “just in case”

Live power + moisture + rodents = electrical failure.

ENERGY STAR specifically recommends disconnecting power to unused seasonal equipment.

https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/heating-cooling

🧼 Step 2: Final Cleaning Before Shutdown (Clean It Before You Cover It)

Covering a dirty unit traps the exact things that cause corrosion.

🧽 What to Clean

Leaves and debris inside the cabinet
Dirt buildup on condenser coils
Grass clippings around the base
Mud splatter on lower fins

🧰 How to Do It Safely

Power off first
Use a gentle hose spray
Non-acidic coil cleaner only
Never pressure wash

Tony Tip:

Covering a dirty condenser is like sealing trash in a plastic bag and leaving it all winter.

🌿 Step 3: Clear the Area (Winter Debris Is Worse Than Summer Debris)

Fall and winter introduce new threats.

🍂 Clear Away:

Leaves and pine needles
Mulch piled against the cabinet
Overhanging branches
Dead plants and vines

Maintain 24–36 inches of clearance around the condenser before winter.

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) identifies clearance and airflow space as essential even during off-season storage.
👉 https://www.acca.org

🧱 Step 4: Check the Pad, Level & Drainage Before the Ground Freezes

Freeze–thaw cycles cause subtle but serious shifts.

🔍 Inspect For:

Pad cracking
Unit tilting
Soil erosion
Standing water around the base

✅ Why This Matters

Out-of-level units stress compressors
Water pooling accelerates rust
Spring startup problems multiply

Tony Truth:

If the condenser isn’t level in winter, it won’t magically fix itself in spring.

🧲 Step 5: Rodent & Pest Prevention (The Most Overlooked Winter Risk)

Winter is nesting season.

🐭 Why Condensers Attract Pests

Residual warmth
Shelter from wind
Easy access points

✅ Prevention Steps

Remove debris piles nearby
Seal obvious gaps (do NOT block airflow paths)
Avoid plastic wraps that trap moisture and warmth

The Electrical Safety Foundation International warns that rodent-damaged wiring is a leading cause of off-season electrical failures.
👉 https://www.esfi.org

🧊 Step 6: To Cover or Not to Cover? (Here’s the Real Answer)

This is where most people get it wrong.

❌ What NOT to Do

Fully wrap the unit in plastic
Seal the sides tightly
Trap moisture inside the cabinet

✅ The Right Way to Cover

Use a breathable condenser cover
Cover only the top, not the sides
Secure it so wind can’t lift it
Remove it early in spring

Tony Rule:

Protect from falling debris—not from air.

🔍 Step 7: Final Electrical & Visual Safety Check

Before walking away for winter, do one last scan.

👀 Look For:

Rust streaks near panels
Loose screws or panels
Exposed wiring or conduit
Signs of moisture intrusion

If something looks off now, it’ll look worse in spring.

⚙️ Winter Shutdown for Goodman AC Systems (What Owners Should Know)

Goodman systems—like the 2.5-Ton 13.4 SEER2 R-32 AC—are designed to handle outdoor exposure, but winter protection still matters.

Proper shutdown helps protect:

Electrical components
Coil integrity
Cabinet finish
Compressor oil balance

If you skip winter prep, efficiency loss and electrical issues often show up during the first heat wave.

🧪 Refrigerant Reality During Winter

You do nothing to refrigerant during winter shutdown.

🚫 Do NOT:

Add refrigerant
“Check pressures”
Bleed lines
Vent anything

Refrigerant should remain sealed year-round.

The EPA makes it clear that refrigerant handling is regulated and unnecessary handling increases leak risk.
👉 https://www.epa.gov/section608

📅 End-of-Season Shutdown Checklist (Quick Reference)

Task	Do This
Power	Shut off at disconnect
Cleaning	Rinse coils & remove debris
Clearance	Maintain 24–36 inches
Pad	Check level & drainage
Pests	Remove nesting risks
Cover	Breathable, top-only
Final check	Visual & electrical scan