Originally Posted by
BCMountainHound
Old appliance tech some years ago told me that when external temps fall below the thermostat setting, the compressor does not run. If the compressor does not run for long periods of time, the bearings in the compressor can seize, or you may get small coolant leaks in the system. Same applies to air conditioning systems in vehicles over the winter - it's good to run the AC now and again to lube all the parts and circulate the coolant.
Garage is better than an exposed porch, a room heated just above freezing is best of all.