As the sharp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to prep your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away safeguards it against extreme winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. A few simple 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 air conditioner becomes a landing spot for 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. Be sure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, get rid of any stubborn 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 skipped setting up regular air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it is too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, looking over and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving elements and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance enhances 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 positive43 you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, locate the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open up the protective cover, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This straightforward move protects 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 might cause irreparable damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Turning off your air conditioner after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dings, rust or other external issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you spot a concern, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This prompt measure helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you fire up your air conditioning 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, preventing evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also bite through essential wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
While a tarp probably isn't ideal, safeguarding 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 some plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter elements should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is properly 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 once a week. Adjust the plywood if necessary and remove any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps protect against any nasty predicaments come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in East Syracuse
Preparing your AC for cold temperatures may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent costly repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and durability.
For reliable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Falso Service Experts. Our team provides superb service to help our customers reduce HVAC challenges all the time. With Falso Service Experts 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 Falso Service Experts today by calling 315-313-6531. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioning unit today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!