Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp 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 ready your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer winds down shields it against severe winter weather that could decrease its life span. A few simple steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for peak 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 the ideal time to don your work gloves, remove this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is well above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, get rid of any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your condenser.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked 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 outside. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving components 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 grow into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re positive you have used your cooling system for the last time this season, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Lift up the protective covering, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. 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 might create irreparable damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Powering down yourair conditioner after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to scrutinize 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 see a concern, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This prompt move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power 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 strategy often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and fostering rust or mold proliferation. Rodents 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.

Even though a covering might not be the best idea, safeguarding 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 ensure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides open to the winter storms should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is effectively winterized, you can’t simply ignore your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, look at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if necessary and remove any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps prevent any nasty scenarios 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 exciting task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent expensive repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For dependable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides superb service to help our customers reduce HVAC issues all year-round. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding 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. Always remember, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!