As the crisp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to prep your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against harsh winter weather that could shorten its life expectancy. A few basic 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 AC unit often can become filled with 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. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed 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 missed 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 is too chilly. 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. Routine air conditioner maintenance enhances efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and looks for and fixes any minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re confident43 you have used your AC for the last time this season, locate the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Lift up the protective cover, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This straightforward move prevents you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice could trigger irreversible damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Powering down your AC after the cooling season calls for more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Look 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 gets worse. This preventive measure helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you power on 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 causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and promoting rust or mold growth. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also bite through crucial wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Despite all this, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still key to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter elements should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is correctly winterized, you can’t simply forget about your AC until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if necessary and clean off any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps avoid any nasty predicaments come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Atlanta
Preparing your air conditioner for winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it reduce the chances of pricey repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.
For trustworthy, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Peachtree Service Experts. Our team provides superb service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all year-round. With Peachtree Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of realizing your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Peachtree Service Experts today by calling 678-235-9699. Always remember, taking care of your AC today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!