As the crisp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to prepare your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away guards it against harsh winter weather that could decrease its life. A few basic steps are all you'll need to prime your air conditioner for maximum efficiency come spring.
Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner
As the seasons change, your outdoor AC unit can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to put on your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, take out any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your AC unit.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you skipped setting up regular air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it gets too cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, looking over and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving components and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Regular air conditioner maintenance improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and can find minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re confident you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This simple procedure prevents you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice might cause irreparable damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Powering down yourair conditioning equipment after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Watch out for cracks, dings, rust or other exterior issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you identify a problem, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preventive move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power up your AC after its long winter hibernation.
Guard Your Air Conditioner Against Falling Ice
While some homeowners cover their outdoor air conditioning units with a tarp or a commercially available AC cover, this tactic often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and promoting rust or mold proliferation. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also chew through crucial wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
While a tarp probably isn't ideal, protecting your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to cover the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides subjected to the winter elements should not cause any problems.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioner is correctly winterized, you can’t simply forget about your AC until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if necessary and remove any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps avoid any nasty scenarios come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in the U.S
Preparing your air conditioner for icy and snowy weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it help you avoid pricey repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and durability.
For reliable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Service Experts. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers avoid HVAC issues all year-round. With Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts today by calling (866) 963-7996. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioner today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!
