Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to prepare your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes safeguards it against extreme 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 air conditioning system becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to wear your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and complete 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 skipped scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it is too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining 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 positive you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, find the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Lift up the protective cover, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple procedure stops you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may cause irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down yourair conditioner after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Watch out for cracks, dents, rust or other exterior issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you see any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This preventive measure helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you power on your air conditioner after its long winter hibernation.

Guard Your Air Conditioner Against Falling Ice

While some homeowners shield their outdoor air conditioning units with a tarp or a commercially available AC cover, this technique often brings about more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and promoting rust or mold growth. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also chew through crucial wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still key to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to shield the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides exposed to the winter snows should not cause any damage.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is properly winterized, you can’t simply ignore your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if necessary and clean off 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 winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it reduce the chances of costly repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

For dependable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing. Our team provides superb service to help our customers prevent HVAC challenges all the time. With Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing 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 makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!