As the sudden chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to take a few moments to prep your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away shields it against harsh winter weather that could decrease its lifespan. A few simple 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 often can become filled with fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy time to put on your work gloves, remove this debris and gently wash out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, take out any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you missed hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct31 routine air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a certified technician conduct an AC tune-up before it gets too cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, looking over 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 catches minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re sure43 you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, look for the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open up the protective lid, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This straightforward move protects you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice might create permanent damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Powering down your air conditioning equipment after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Watch out for cracks, dings, rust or other external issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you see a concern, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This preemptive action helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you fire 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 causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and fostering rust or mold growth. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also gnaw through critical wiring and create 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 essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to shield the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter storms should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is correctly winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if needed and remove any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps protect against any nasty predicaments come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Saint Charles
Preparing your air conditioner for icy and snowy weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it prevent pricey repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.
For trustworthy, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Golden Seal Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all year. With Golden Seal Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Golden Seal Service Experts today by calling 630-246-2698. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!