As the sharp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prepare 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 lifespan. A few easy steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for optimum 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 wear your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, get rid of any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your AC unit.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you missed setting up 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 becomes too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, looking over and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Routine air conditioner maintenance enhances efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and looks for and fixes any minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re positive43 you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open the protective lid, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This straightforward action prevents you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice could create irreversible damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Shutting down your AC after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Watch out for cracks, dents, rust or other exterior issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you identify any issues, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This preventive move 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 drape their outdoor air conditioning units with a tarp or a commercially available AC cover, this technique often produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and encouraging rust or mold growth. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also gnaw through crucial wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Even though a covering might not be the best idea, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still key to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter elements should not cause any harm.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioner is effectively winterized, you can’t simply ignore about it until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, look at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if necessary and clean off any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps avoid any nasty scenarios come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Richmond
Preparing your air conditioning unit for cold temperatures may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it help you avoid costly repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and longevity.
For reliable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Eveready Service Experts . Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers avoid HVAC trouble all year-round. With Eveready Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of understanding your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Eveready Service Experts today by calling 804-548-4480. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!