Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter
As the sharp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to ready 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 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 conditioner becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy time to put on your work gloves, remove this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, take out any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you overlooked 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 gets too chilly. 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 can find 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, locate the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This straightforward action 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 could cause irreparable damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Turning off yourair conditioner after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, blemishes, rust or other visible issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you spot a concern, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This prompt measure helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you fire up your air conditioning 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 creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and encouraging rust or mold proliferation. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for a winter den, and also bite through essential wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
While a tarp probably isn’t ideal, protecting 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 a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides open to the winter storms should not cause any harm.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is correctly winterized, you can’t simply ignore it until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if needed and get rid of any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps prevent any nasty scenarios come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale
Preparing your air conditioning unit for winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it reduce the chances of costly repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and durability.
For reliable, experienced 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 trouble all year-round. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the security 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. Always remember, taking care of your air conditioning unit today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!