As the crisp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to take a few moments to ready your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes safeguards it against harsh winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. 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 air conditioner becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a good time to don 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, remove any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you missed scheduling 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 cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring 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. Regular air conditioner maintenance improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and looks for and fixes any minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re confident43 you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, find the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open up the protective cover, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. 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 may create permanent damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Shutting down your air conditioning equipment 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, blemishes, rust or other external issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you spot any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt measure helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you power on 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 causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and promoting rust or mold growth. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also bite through crucial wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
While a tarp probably isn't ideal, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still key to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to cover the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides exposed to the winter storms should not cause any harm.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is effectively winterized, you can’t simply forget about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if needed and get rid of any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps prevent any nasty scenarios come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Mobile
Preparing your AC for cold temperatures may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent expensive repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and length of service.
For reliable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Climate Control Service Experts. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers prevent HVAC challenges all year-round. With Climate Control Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of understanding your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Climate Control Service Experts today by calling 251-202-7503. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!