As monsoon rains recede and cooler weather sets in, households across the country begin relying less on air conditioners and switching to ceiling fans. While most people simply turn off their AC using a remote control and forget about it until summer returns, experts warn that this habit can lead to internal damage, bad odors, and unnecessary repair expenses next season. Following a few preventive maintenance steps before shutting down your cooling unit for the winter can protect your appliance, maintain air quality, and keep money in your pocket.
Why Drying The Cooling Coil Is Essential Before Shutdown
During peak summer and humid monsoon months, air conditioners work continuously to extract heat and moisture from indoors. This process leaves significant moisture and water droplets accumulated around the internal cooling coils. Local technician Md. Nadeem explains that simply turning off the power while the coils are wet creates an ideal breeding ground for mold, fungus, and bacteria inside the unit.
When moist coils remain sealed inside a dark AC unit for several months during winter, organic growth thrives, giving rise to a strong foul odor when turned on again in spring. Moisture can also cause corrosion on metallic components. Taking proactive measures to remove this dampness before long-term storage is critical for maintaining hygiene and extending appliance life.
How To Correctly Use Dry Mode Before Turning Off
Eliminating internal moisture does not require technical dismantling or professional tools. Most modern remote controls feature an explicit Dry Mode setting designed to deal with humidity. Before switching off the machine for the season, select this mode and allow the AC to run continuously for approximately two to three hours.
Running the unit in Dry Mode allows the fan mechanism to blow air through the internal chamber without heavy active cooling, thereby completely drying out the internal coil structure and drain pan. Once moisture completely evaporates, you can safely turn off the appliance knowing that foul odors and internal corrosion will not develop over the cold months.
Washing And Drying Air Filters Properly
Another crucial step involves thoroughly cleaning the indoor unit's mesh air filters. Over months of regular operation, dust, hair, and airborne pollutants accumulate on these mesh panels, restricting airflow and reducing overall system efficiency. Leaving dirty filters sitting inside an idle machine allows dust to settle permanently and harden over time.
Remove the front panel, gently detach the filter mesh, and wash it thoroughly under running tap water to dislodge trapped particles. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemical detergents that could warp the fine plastic mesh. After washing, place the filters in indirect sunlight or a clean outdoor spot until completely dry before reinstalling them into the AC unit.
Electrical Safety, MCB Shut-off, And Unplugging
Electrical safety is equally important when leaving an electrical appliance dormant for months. Even when an air conditioner appears turned off via its remote control, the internal transformer and control circuit boards remain connected to live electricity, consuming standby power and remaining vulnerable to voltage fluctuations.
To eliminate phantom power draw and protect sensitive electronic circuitry from winter power surges or lightning strikes, turn off the dedicated miniature circuit breaker (MCB) on your main electrical board. Additionally, unplug the main power cord from the wall socket to completely isolate the unit from the power grid during its off-season rest.
Protecting The Unit With A Protective Cover
The final maintenance step is physically shielding the indoor and outdoor AC units from dust, pests, and ambient debris. Over winter, fine dust particles, cobwebs, and insects can infiltrate internal vents, clogging fans and electrical connections. Wrapping the unit securely in a breathable cloth cover or specialized plastic jacket ensures it stays pristine and ready for immediate operation when temperatures rise again, eliminating the need for an expensive pre-season service call.
