Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to spare 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 reduce its life. A few simple 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 conditioning system often can become filled with fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to don your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently wash out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you skipped scheduling 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 is too chilly. 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 improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and catches minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident43 you have used your AC for the last time this season, find the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open up the protective cover, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This simple move prevents you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice may trigger irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down your air conditioning equipment after the cooling season calls for 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. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you identify a concern, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power up your air conditioning 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 technique often brings about more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping 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 chew through crucial wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

While a tarp probably isn't ideal, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to cover the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides subjected to the winter snows should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is properly winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if required and get rid of any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps prevent any nasty scenarios come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Ocala

Preparing your AC for icy and snowy weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it reduce the chances of 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, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers prevent HVAC challenges all year. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of realizing your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 352-414-4006. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!