Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sudden chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prepare your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away shields it against extreme winter weather that could reduce its life. A few easy steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for maximum efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor AC unit becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a good time to wear your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, take out any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you skipped setting up seasonal air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it is too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Regular air conditioner maintenance improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and can find minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the hot summer months, find the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This straightforward move 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 might create irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down yourair conditioner after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, blemishes, rust or other external issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you identify a problem, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you turn on 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 creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking 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 critical wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, shielding 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 some plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the AC unit’s sides exposed to the winter snows should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is effectively winterized, you can’t simply forget about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, look at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if necessary and get rid of any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps protect against any nasty surprises come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your air conditioning unit for icy and snowy weather may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it prevent costly repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For trustworthy, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers avoid HVAC issues all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioner today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!