Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. 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 winds down safeguards it against extreme winter weather that could shorten its life span. A few simple steps are all you will need to prime your air conditioner for optimum 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 hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and perform 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 missed setting up seasonal air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a certified technician conduct an AC tune-up before it becomes too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving components 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 morph into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re positive you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, locate the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Lift up the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple action prevents you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice might trigger permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Powering down yourair conditioner 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. Check for cracks, dents, rust or other exterior issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you see any issues, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power up your air conditioner 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, blocking evaporation and encouraging rust or mold growth. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also chew through critical wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, 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 some plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides subjected to the winter snows should not cause any damage.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner is properly winterized, you can’t simply ignore your AC until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if necessary and remove any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps prevent any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your air conditioner for winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it prevent expensive repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For trustworthy, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides superb service to help our customers prevent HVAC challenges all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of realizing your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Always remember, taking care of your air conditioner today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!