As the crisp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. 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 harsh winter weather that could decrease its life. A few basic steps are all you will need to prime your air conditioner for optimum efficiency come spring.
Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner
As the seasons change, your outdoor AC unit often can become filled with 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. Be sure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you overlooked scheduling routine 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, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Routine 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 confident43 you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open up the protective covering, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This simple move stops you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice might create irreparable damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Shutting down your AC after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, blemishes, rust or other external issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you spot a concern, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This prompt measure helps you avoid 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 technique often brings about more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also gnaw through essential wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Even though a covering might not be the best idea, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter elements should not cause any harm.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioner is properly winterized, you can’t simply ignore about it until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if necessary and clean off any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps avoid any nasty surprises come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Charlotte
Preparing your AC for winter weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it reduce the chances of costly repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and durability.
For dependable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Komfort Air Service Experts. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers reduce HVAC trouble all year. With Komfort Air Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Komfort Air Service Experts today by calling 704-705-8135. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!