Winterize the AC and water spigots

[Tom7227]

Put a cover over the outside unit - available at just about any big box store. Also cut the power to the AC by popping the circuit breaker. There's a heater in it that will run all winter if you don't cut the power and there's no need to waste the juice.

Disconnect all outside hoses and make sure the water is turned off. I you have to go in the basement and find the valve that turns off the water to the spigot and shut it. Then be sure to open the outside spigot so it drains. Many newer units actually have a shut off that reaches into the house and it will drain by itself. You can tell if you have that king if a half cup or so of water runs out once you disconnct the hose and turn off the water.

[chad austin]

I'm not trying to be argumentative but it is actually recommended that the sides of the A/C unit NOT get covered, during the course of the winter condensation can build up and not have anywheres to go.

Another way to identify a frost free sill-cock (outside faucet) from a regular sill-cock is the handle that you turn.

A non frost free handle will be at about a 45 degree angle to the ground and a frost free handle will be at a 90 degree angle to the ground

[spearchucker]

I have a cover that came with my new A/C unit that just covers the top and about 8 inches down each side. This does a good job of keeping the leaves and debris out of the top and lets the inside breathe. I was also told that a full cover is a good warm place for critters to live in the winter.