As the sharp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to prep your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against extreme winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. A few easy 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 conditioning system can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy time to wear your work gloves, remove this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, get rid of any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you missed setting up 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 gets too cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking 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 catches minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re positive43 you have used your AC for the last time this season, look for the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open the protective lid, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This simple action protects you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice could create irreversible damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Turning off your AC 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. Look out for cracks, dents, rust or other external issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you identify a concern, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive action helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you fire up your air conditioner 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 strategy often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for winter den, and also chew through essential wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Even though a covering might not be the best idea, safeguarding your AC from falling icicles is still key to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides subjected to the winter snows should not cause any problems.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioner is correctly winterized, you can’t simply forget about it until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, look at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if needed and clean off any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps prevent any nasty predicaments come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Jacksonville
Preparing your air conditioner for winter weather may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it help you avoid costly repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.
For reliable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Air Engineers Service Experts. Our team provides superb service to help our customers reduce HVAC trouble all year-round. With Air Engineers Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of realizing your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Air Engineers Service Experts today by calling 904-450-5672. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!