Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to ready your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away guards it against extreme winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. A few simple steps are all you’ll need to prime your air conditioner for peak efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor air conditioning system becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy time to don your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you missed hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct seasonal air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a skilled technician conduct an AC tune-up before it is too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and looks for and fixes any minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re positive you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, locate the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open the protective cover, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple action protects you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice could cause irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off yourair conditioner after the cooling season calls for more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dents, 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 spot a problem, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt action helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you turn on your air conditioning 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 fostering rust or mold development. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also bite through critical wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, safeguarding your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides subjected to the winter snows should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner is effectively winterized, you can’t simply forget about your AC until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if necessary and remove any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps prevent any nasty surprises come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in the U.S.

Preparing your air conditioning unit for winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it prevent expensive repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

For trustworthy, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our team provides superb service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all the time. With Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of realizing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today by calling 866-397-3787. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!