Quick answer: AC maintenance in winter is necessary, but it takes only about half an hour. Clean the filters, run the AC in fan mode for 15 to 20 minutes every week or two (if your manual allows it), and keep the outdoor unit clear of dust and nests. A cover for the outdoor unit is optional in Pune, but it must be breathable and never left on while the AC runs. You don’t need a gas refill after winter, because low gas means a leak. Book a service in winter, before the March rush.
Why the off-season is when problems start
Pune nights get cool, the AC goes quiet, and most people forget about it until March. Then the first hot day arrives and the AC smells musty, cools slowly or doesn’t start.
AC maintenance in winter takes about half an hour in total. It matters because dust, damp and pests don’t take a break when you stop using the AC. Here are the air conditioner maintenance tips that actually matter, what to skip, and how to get ready for the first hot week.
Does Your AC Need Maintenance in Winter?
Yes, but a lighter version than in summer. An idle AC doesn’t wear out the way a running one does. The problems come from sitting still:
- Dust build-up on the filter and coil, which cuts cooling when you restart
- Damp and mould inside the indoor unit, which causes the musty smell on the first run
- Pests: lizards, rats, wasps or birds in the outdoor unit, and insects blocking the drain pipe end
- Small faults you never notice, like cracked pipe insulation or flat remote batteries, which show up in March
How to Maintain AC in Winter: 7 Steps for AC Maintenance in Winter
To maintain your AC in winter, clean the filters, run it in fan mode for 15 to 20 minutes every week or two, keep the outdoor unit clear of dust and nests, check the pipe insulation, and switch it off at the MCB if you won’t use it for months. This is also how to protect your AC during winter. Book a service before the March rush.
1. AC filter cleaning
This is the single most useful step.
- Switch off the AC and remove the filters.
- Rinse them in lukewarm water with a little mild soap.
- Dry them fully in the shade. Never refit a wet filter.
- Refit them and close the panel.
Don’t use hot water or spray water into the unit. For dirt that goes beyond the filter, see our guide on deep cleaning vs regular servicing.
2. Use AC fan mode every week or two
Running the AC briefly keeps the fan motor moving and clears moisture from inside the unit. Voltas suggests running it in fan mode about once a week. Haier recommends picking a sunny day and setting the unit to fan mode. Run it for 15 to 20 minutes. Fan mode doesn’t run the compressor, so it’s the gentle option. Check your manual for any limits on your model.
3. Wipe the indoor unit and check the drain
Wipe the outside of the indoor unit with a dry or slightly damp cloth, and don’t spray cleaners into it. Check the drain pipe end outside for blockages from insects or mud.
4. Clear the outdoor unit
Remove leaves, plastic bags and dust from around and on top of the unit, and keep some open space around it. If you see a nest, don’t poke at it. Have a technician clear it.
5. Check the pipe insulation
Look at the foam wrapped around the copper pipes you can see. Damaged insulation, water stains below the indoor unit and loose covers are the signs to look for. Cracked insulation wastes cooling, so mention it when you book a service.
6. Take out the remote batteries
Dead or leaking batteries are easy to avoid. Take them out if the remote won’t be used for weeks.
7. Switch off the power if you won’t use it for months
A switched-off AC can still draw a little standby power. Turning it off at the MCB or unplugging it also protects the control board from voltage spikes. Don’t open electrical panels yourself.
Should You Use an AC Cover for Winter?
Outdoor units are built to stand in rain and heat, and Pune has no snow, so an AC cover for winter isn’t essential. It can keep dust and leaves out. If you use one:
- Choose a breathable cover. Voltas advises against airtight plastic covers because they trap moisture.
- A top cover is enough. Some guides say a full cover isn’t recommended and suggest shielding only the top while leaving the sides open.
- Never run the AC with the cover on. A unit in use should never be covered.
- Remove the cover well before the first run in March.
Indoor units don’t need covering.
Is It Bad to Run Your AC in Winter?
It depends on the mode. Fan mode is fine, but cooling mode on cold nights isn’t a good idea, because cooling-only ACs are designed for warm weather. Pune nights can dip to around 10°C. Running a cooling-only AC outside its permitted operating temperature range isn’t advised, and the manual lists the limits for your model. So:
- Fan mode is the safe choice for the weekly run.
- Dry mode helps on damp days.
- Heat mode exists only on some models. A cooling-only AC can’t heat a room, whatever the remote shows.
If you switch the AC on and off for short test runs, wait a few minutes between each.
Does Your AC Need a Gas Refill After Winter?
No, and this is a common myth. Refrigerant circulates in a closed system and shouldn’t need routine top-ups just because winter has passed. If the cooling was weak last summer, the cause is probably a leak or another fault, so ask a technician to find it before anyone adds gas.
Common Mistakes in AC Maintenance in Winter
- Wrapping the outdoor unit in airtight plastic
- Refilling gas “just in case” before summer
- Washing the indoor unit with lots of water
- Ignoring last summer’s cooling problems and hoping they fix themselves
- Waiting for the first heatwave to book a service
Split AC vs Window AC: Winter Care
| Task | Split AC | Window AC |
| Clean the filters | Yes | Yes |
| Wipe the outside | Indoor unit | Front panel |
| Clear debris | Outdoor unit area | Back and sides of the casing |
| Check the drain | Drain pipe end | Drain tray and outlet |
| Fan-mode run | Every 1 to 2 weeks | Every 1 to 2 weeks |
AC Service Before Summer: Why Winter Is the Best Time
The most useful job in AC maintenance in winter is booking a service. In April and May, technicians are booked up and you may wait days. In winter you pick the slot, and small faults get fixed before they become breakdowns in the first heatwave.
Typical costs in Pune are about ₹400 to ₹700 for a general service, ₹600 to ₹1,000 for deep cleaning and ₹700 to ₹1,200 for a jet wash. Our team handles split AC service in Pune for all major brands. If you have several ACs, an annual contract can be simpler than booking each visit, and our AC service and maintenance in Pune page lists the AMC plans.
AC Maintenance Checklist: What to Check Before You Restart in March
- Remove the outdoor cover, if you used one
- Check around and inside the outdoor unit for nests or debris
- Clean the filters again
- Put fresh batteries in the remote
- Check that the drain pipe is clear
- Run in fan mode for 10 minutes, then in cooling mode for 15
- Listen for unusual noise and check the air is cold
- If anything is off, book a technician before the first heatwave
For the full list before the rains, read our pre-monsoon AC maintenance checklist.
Book a Winter AC Service in Pune
Getting AC maintenance in winter done now means your AC is ready on the first hot day. Call +91 8929034252 or contact us to book a service or an inspection anywhere in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but a light version. Clean the filters, run the unit in fan mode every week or two, and keep the outdoor unit free of dust and pests. It takes about half an hour and prevents most problems on the first run in March.
Only if you want to keep dust and leaves out. Pune has no snow, so it isn’t required. Use a breathable cover, never airtight plastic, and always remove it before running the AC. Indoor units don’t need one.
Don’t run it in cooling mode on cold nights. Use fan mode for 15 to 20 minutes every week or two, and check your manual for the operating range of your model. Only models with a heat mode can warm a room.
If you won’t use it for weeks or months, yes. Switch it off at the MCB or unplug it. It removes standby power use and protects the control board from voltage spikes. Don’t open electrical panels yourself.
Wait about three minutes after switching your AC off before you turn it back on. This gives the refrigerant pressure time to settle, so the compressor doesn’t start against resistance. Most modern ACs have a built-in delay, but restarting repeatedly can still strain the compressor. This matters in winter, when you switch the AC on and off for short test runs. Our guide on the 3-minute rule for AC explains it in full.
A musty smell on the first run usually comes from damp and dust on the filter and coil. Clean the filters, open a window and run the AC in fan mode for 15 to 20 minutes. If the smell stays, a deep clean is the next step. A strong or burning smell is different. Switch the AC off and have it checked, because it could signal an electrical problem. See our guide on why your AC smells bad for the causes.
Yes. Technicians are free, you can choose your slot, and any repair is done before the summer rush starts in March.