Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prep your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against harsh winter weather that could shorten its life span. A few simple 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 becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to wear your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent 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 certified technician conduct an AC tune-up before it gets too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Regular air conditioner maintenance enhances efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and catches minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident you have used your air conditioner for the last time this season, locate the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Lift up the protective lid, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This effortless action prevents you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice could create irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Powering down yourair conditioner after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dents, rust or other external issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you see a problem, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This prompt move helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you power on your AC after its long winter hibernation.

Guard Your Air Conditioner Against Falling Ice

While some homeowners drape their outdoor air conditioning units with a tarp or a commercially available AC cover, this tactic often creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and promoting rust or mold proliferation. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also bite through crucial wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, 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 plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides exposed to the winter storms should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner is effectively 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 remove any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps prevent any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Worth

Preparing your air conditioner for winter weather may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent expensive repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

For reliable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Calverley Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all the time. With Calverley Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of realizing your home comfort is in professional hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Calverley Service Experts today by calling 817-380-5647. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!