Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prep your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes shields it against severe winter weather that could reduce its life span. A few simple steps are all you will need to prime your air conditioner for maximum 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 wear your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, get rid of any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked setting up 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 chilly. 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. Scheduled 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 confident you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, locate the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open up the protective lid, 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 could trigger irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off yourAC after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dings, rust or other external issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you spot any issues, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive measure helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you power 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 tactic often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also gnaw through essential wiring and create 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 cover the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter elements should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is effectively winterized, you can’t simply ignore your AC until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if needed and clean off any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps protect against any nasty scenarios come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your air conditioner for cold temperatures may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it help you avoid pricey repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.

For reliable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges 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 skilled 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 is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!