Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter
As the sharp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to ready your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer winds down guards it against harsh winter weather that could reduce its life span. A few easy 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 put on your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, remove any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you skipped hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct routine 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 cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring 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 looks for and fixes any minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re positive you have used your AC for the last time during the summer, look for the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This straightforward action stops you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may cause irreversible damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Turning off yourAC after the cooling season involves 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 visible issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you identify a concern, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive measure helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you fire up your AC 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 technique often brings about more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and promoting rust or mold proliferation. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy 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, safeguarding your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to shield the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter snows should not cause any problems.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is correctly winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about it until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if needed and get rid of any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps prevent any nasty scenarios come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Winnipeg
Preparing your air conditioning unit for cold temperatures may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it help you avoid expensive repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.
For dependable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Winnipeg Supply Service Experts. Our team provides superb service to help our customers prevent HVAC issues all year. With Winnipeg Supply Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Winnipeg Supply Service Experts today by calling 204-800-0613. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioner today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!
