Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter
As the sudden chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to ready your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against harsh winter weather that could reduce its life span. A few basic steps are all you’ll need to prime your air conditioner for optimum efficiency come spring.
Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner
As the seasons change, your outdoor AC unit becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to wear your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.
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 professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it gets too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring 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 can find minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re positive you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, locate the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This effortless move protects you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice might create irreparable damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Powering down yourair conditioner after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dents, rust or other external issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you see a concern, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This prompt move 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 strategy often produces 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 the perfect place for a winter den, and also gnaw through critical wiring and create 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 protect the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter storms should not cause any problems.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is correctly 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 once a week. Adjust the plywood if needed and remove any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps avoid any nasty predicaments come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale
Preparing your air conditioning unit for winter weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it help you avoid pricey repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and durability.
For reliable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers prevent HVAC trouble all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Always remember, taking care of your AC today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!