Can You Damage Your Air Conditioner by Running it in the Winter?

There are several reasons why a homeowner might need to run the air conditioner in the winter. For example, home appraisers are required to run the air conditioner when inspecting a home. Or maybe you want to test the system and ensure it’s still working properly. Whatever the reason, it’s not recommended to run a cooling system when it’s already cold outside.

Many air conditioning service companies will discourage you from running the system in the winter, as it can cause serious damage to the unit. This is due to the oil that is coursing through the system. While there are several different types of oils that exist, the oil that lubricates an air conditioning system is a summer-weight oil that works best in warm conditions. During colder temperatures, the oil gets thick and will not safely work the compressor.

Air conditioning repair companies suggest waiting until the temperatures are above 60 degrees for at least three days before running the system. If you attempt to run your air conditioning unit in the winter and it won’t turn on, it could be due to a low-ambient temperature sensor on the unit, preventing it from starting.

If you do have to run your unit in the winter, you risk damaging the unit and could require costly repairs. One potential threat is the thick oil could cause the compressor to overheat, damaging the system. If you think you might damage your unit by starting it in the cold, contact your local air conditioning service company to see if they recommend running it, or if they have an alternative solution to starting the system.

Bottom line — if you can wait until the weather is at or about 60 degrees, it’s safe to run your air conditioning system.