Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to ready your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against severe winter weather that could decrease its life. A few basic 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 AC unit can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy time to put on your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, take out any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your condenser.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you skipped setting up 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 gets too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving elements and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance increases 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 sure you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open up the protective lid, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple action prevents you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may trigger permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down yourAC 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. Check for cracks, blemishes, rust or other exterior issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you see any issues, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt action helps you reduce the chances of any 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 tactic often creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Rodents 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.

Even though a covering might not be the best idea, shielding 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 a piece of plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides subjected to the winter storms 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 ensure it stays in good shape, look at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if needed and get rid of any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps avoid any nasty scenarios come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your AC for icy and snowy weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent costly repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For trustworthy, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides superb service to help our customers reduce HVAC challenges all year. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of knowing your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioning unit today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!