As cold weather arrives, business owners need to take special precautions to protect their package units from the harsh winter weather. Not doing so can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
Package units are designed to operate in a range of temperatures, but they’re not meant to be exposed to extreme cold or wind.
How to Prepare Your Package Units for Winter
If you live in an area that experiences below-freezing temperatures or high winds during the winter, you’ll need to take some extra steps to protect your package units from the cold. By properly preparing the unit for winter, you can ensure that it will function properly when it is needed again.
Power Down Your System
The first step is to shut down the power going to your unit. No need to have electricity running to your system if it will not be used. If your system is hardwired you will need to shut it down via the circuit breaker.
Close the Air Dampers
It is important to close air dampers during winter. Closing the dampers will help keep cold air from entering the system. Exposing your coils to the cold can cause them to freeze up. Mitigating their exposure to cold will minimize wear and tear.
Disconnect and Drain Water Supply
If your package unit has a water supply line, you will need to disconnect it and drain any remaining water from it. This will prevent the water from freezing and damaging the line or the unit.
Drain the Cooling Coils
Cooling coils are typically filled with refrigerant and will need to be drained prior to winter. Draining will prevent the cooling coils from freezing. If fluid is accumulated in the coils, it can freeze when the temperature drops and can cause them to burst. Removing accumulated fluid will also prevent corrosion as well as any bacteria growth. These two issues can arise from stagnant water inside the coil.
Prepare Coils With Glycol
Adding glycol to your system will help prevent the coils from freezing over during the winter months. If the coils freeze over, it can cause damage to the unit and could potentially result in a breakdown. By preparing the coils with glycol, you can help to ensure they will not freeze.
Install Cover
To protect your package unit from the elements, you should cover it with a weatherproof cover or tarp. Make sure the cover is securely fastened to the unit to prevent it from blowing off in strong winds.
Prepare for Winter With Tower Water
Businesses need to take precautions to protect their HVAC equipment in the cold weather. Preparing package units for winter and outside air can be a daunting task, but with the help of professionals, it can be easily accomplished. By preparing your business for winter weather, you can rest assured that your equipment will be protected from the cold and operate efficiently come spring.
For more information regarding the winterization of your system, or for help with glycol, reach out to our team of experts today at 212-518-6475.