As the crisp chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to take a few moments to prep your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer winds down guards it against severe winter weather that could shorten its life expectancy. 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 conditioning system can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy time to don your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently wash out the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is well above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain jammed 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 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 becomes too cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking 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 confident43 you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, locate the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open the protective cover, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This straightforward procedure stops you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice could create permanent damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Turning off your air conditioning equipment after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dents, rust or other external issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you spot any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt action 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 tactic often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and promoting rust or mold proliferation. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also bite through crucial wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Despite all this, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides open to the winter elements should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit is properly winterized, you can’t simply forget about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if required and remove any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps avoid any nasty surprises come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Grand Island
Preparing your air conditioner for winter weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent costly repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and length of service.
For reliable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact McElroy Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers prevent HVAC issues all the time. With McElroy Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call McElroy Service Experts today by calling 308-210-4398. Always remember, taking care of your air conditioner today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!