Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to ready your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away shields it against severe 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 air conditioning system often can become filled with fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to put on your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled 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 AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you missed scheduling regular air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a certified technician conduct an AC tune-up before it is too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Regular air conditioner maintenance increases 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 this season, locate the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open up the protective cover, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple procedure protects you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice could cause irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down your AC after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dents, 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 identify any issues, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt action helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you fire 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 growth. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also gnaw through critical wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, protecting your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to cover the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides exposed to the winter snows should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner is properly winterized, you can’t simply ignore about your AC 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 required and get rid of any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps avoid any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Roanoke

Preparing your AC for icy and snowy weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it reduce the chances of pricey repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.

For trustworthy, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides superb service to help our customers avoid HVAC issues all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 540-302-8645. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!