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 prep your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away shields it against extreme winter weather that could shorten its life. A few easy steps are all you’ll need to prime your air conditioner for maximum efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor air conditioner can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a good time to wear your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, take out any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked scheduling routine air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it becomes too cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes checking 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. Regular air conditioner maintenance increases efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and can find minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re positive you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Lift up the protective cover, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This effortless move stops you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may trigger irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off yourair conditioning equipment 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, blemishes, rust or other visible issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you identify a concern, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preemptive move helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you power on your AC 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 strategy often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and promoting rust or mold development. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for a winter den, and also bite through critical wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

While a tarp probably isn’t ideal, protecting 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 some plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides exposed to the winter snows should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is correctly winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about your AC until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, look at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if required and clean off 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 Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your AC for winter weather may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it help you avoid expensive repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.

For trustworthy, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers prevent HVAC challenges all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioning unit today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!