As the sudden chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to take a few moments to prep your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes shields it against extreme winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. A few easy 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 can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to wear your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently flush out 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 stubborn leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your AC unit.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you overlooked hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct31 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 gets too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving components 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 sure43 you have used your AC for the last time this season, find the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This straightforward move stops you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may create permanent 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. Watch out for cracks, dents, rust or other exterior issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you spot a problem, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This preventive measure helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you power up your air conditioner 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 tactic often produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for winter den, and also bite through critical 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 essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to shield the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter elements should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioning system is properly winterized, you can’t simply forget about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if needed and get rid of any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps prevent any nasty predicaments come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Wayne
Preparing your AC for winter weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it reduce the chances of expensive repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and length of service.
For dependable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Rolf Griffin Service Experts . Our team provides superb service to help our customers prevent HVAC trouble all year. With Rolf Griffin 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 Rolf Griffin Service Experts today by calling 260-557-1275. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioning unit today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!