Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prepare your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away safeguards it against severe winter weather that could shorten its life. 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 conditioning system can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to wear your work gloves, remove this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, get rid of any particularly uncooperative 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 sending 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 gets too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving components and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Regular 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 positive43 you have used your cooling system for the last time this season, find the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Lift up the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This effortless move prevents you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may trigger irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Powering down your AC after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, blemishes, rust or other exterior issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you identify any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preemptive action helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power on your air conditioner 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 tactic often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and promoting rust or mold development. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also gnaw through essential wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Even though a covering might not be the best idea, 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 plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides open to the winter elements should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is effectively winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if required and remove any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps avoid any nasty scenarios come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Voorhees

Preparing your air conditioning unit for winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it help you avoid pricey repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and durability.

For dependable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Atmostemp Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers prevent HVAC challenges all the time. With Atmostemp Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of realizing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Atmostemp Service Experts today by calling 856-310-4824. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!