Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sudden chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to prep your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against harsh winter weather that could decrease its lifespan. A few basic 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 conditioner often can become filled with fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to put on your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, take out any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from blowing debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct31 routine air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a certified 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, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving elements and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Routine air conditioner maintenance increases 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 sure43 you have used your cooling system for the last time this season, locate 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 turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice may create irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Powering down your air conditioning equipment 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. Watch out for cracks, dents, rust or other visible issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you spot a concern, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This prompt 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 produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and encouraging rust or mold growth. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also gnaw through essential wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

While a tarp probably isn't ideal, 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 a brick or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides open to the winter snows should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

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

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Livermore

Preparing your AC for winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it help you avoid expensive repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and durability.

For reliable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 925-364-5427. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!