Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prepare your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against harsh winter weather that could reduce its life expectancy. A few basic steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for maximum efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor air conditioner becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a good time to put on your work gloves, remove this debris and gently wash out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, remove any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct regular 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 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. Routine air conditioner maintenance enhances efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and catches minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re sure you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, look for the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open the protective cover, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This straightforward procedure prevents you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice might create irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off yourair conditioning equipment after the cooling season calls for more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dings, rust or other external issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you see a problem, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preventive action helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you power up your air conditioning after its long winter hibernation.

Guard Your Air Conditioner Against Falling Ice

While some homeowners drape their outdoor air conditioning units with a tarp or a commercially available AC cover, this technique often produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and promoting rust or mold growth. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for a winter den, and also bite through critical wiring and create 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 a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the AC unit’s sides open to the winter snows should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is correctly winterized, you can’t simply ignore it until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if needed and get rid of any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps prevent any nasty surprises come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in the U.S.

Preparing your air conditioning unit for cold temperatures may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it reduce the chances of pricey repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.

For dependable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers prevent HVAC issues all the time. With Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of understanding your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing today by calling 866-397-3787. Remember, taking care of your AC today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!