Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to prepare your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes safeguards it against severe winter weather that could reduce its life expectancy. A few simple steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for peak 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 don your work gloves, remove this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, get rid of any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked scheduling 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 chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Routine 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 sure you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, find the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open up the protective cover, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This straightforward move prevents you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice might cause permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off yourair conditioning equipment after the cooling season calls for more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, blemishes, rust or other exterior issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you see any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This preemptive move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you turn on your AC 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 strategy often creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and promoting rust or mold proliferation. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also gnaw through critical wiring and create 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 cover the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides subjected to the winter elements should not cause any damage.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is correctly 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 every week or so. Adjust the plywood if necessary and clean off any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps avoid any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your air conditioner for cold temperatures may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it reduce the chances of expensive repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For trustworthy, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC issues all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of realizing 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. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!