Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sudden chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to prep your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against severe winter weather that could shorten its life expectancy. A few basic steps are all you will need to prime your air conditioner for optimum efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor air conditioner often can become filled with fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy 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 adequately above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, take out any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct31 seasonal 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 outside. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring 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 catches minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re sure43 you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, find the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Lift up the protective lid, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple procedure stops you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice might cause irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off your air conditioner after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dings, rust or other visible issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you identify a concern, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This preemptive move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power on 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, preventing evaporation and fostering rust or mold development. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also gnaw through crucial wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

While a tarp probably isn't ideal, safeguarding your AC from falling icicles is still essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with some 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 subjected to the winter storms should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is effectively winterized, you can’t simply forget about it 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 needed and get rid of any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps protect against any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Pierre

Preparing your air conditioner for cold temperatures may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it help you avoid pricey repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

For reliable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Peitz Service Experts. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers avoid HVAC trouble all year-round. With Peitz Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of understanding your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Peitz Service Experts today by calling 605-223-0307. Always remember, taking care of your air conditioner today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!