Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prepare your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away shields it against extreme winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. A few simple steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for peak efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor AC unit can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to wear your work gloves, remove this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, get rid of any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you skipped hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct 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 measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance increases efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and can find minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the hot summer months, locate the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open up the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This straightforward action prevents you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice could create irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down yourair conditioner after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Watch out for cracks, blemishes, rust or other visible issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you identify any issues, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preventive action helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you fire up your air conditioner 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 tactic often creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and promoting rust or mold growth. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for a winter den, and also gnaw through crucial wiring and leave 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 shield the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter elements should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is effectively winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about your AC until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, look at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if needed and clean off any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps prevent any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your AC for winter weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent costly repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For dependable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers reduce HVAC challenges all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of realizing your home comfort is in professional 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 air conditioner today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!