Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prep your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes shields it against extreme winter weather that could reduce its life expectancy. A few easy steps are all you will 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 the ideal time to put on your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, remove any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked scheduling routine 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 out. This tune-up and inspection includes checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking 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 grow into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident43 you have used your cooling system for the last time during the hot summer months, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This simple move stops you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice could create irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off your AC 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. Check for cracks, blemishes, rust or other external issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you see any issues, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preemptive move helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you power up your air conditioning after its long winter hibernation.

Guard Your Air Conditioner Against Falling Ice

While some homeowners shield 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 promoting rust or mold development. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for winter den, and also bite through essential wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Even though a covering might not be the best idea, protecting 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 a piece of plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides open to the winter snows should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner is effectively winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if required and get rid of any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps protect against any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Melbourne

Preparing your AC for cold temperatures may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it reduce the chances of pricey repairs and delays when you want 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 Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides superb service to help our customers prevent HVAC trouble all year. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of realizing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 321-428-7635. Remember, taking care of your air conditioning unit today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!