Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to prepare your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer winds down guards it against harsh winter weather that could shorten its life expectancy. A few easy 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, clear away this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, get rid of any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you skipped 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 out. This tune-up and inspection includes determining 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 can find minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re sure you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, find the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Lift up the protective lid, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This simple action prevents you from accidentally activating the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice might trigger permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down yourAC after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dents, rust or other visible issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you see a problem, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preventive move helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you fire up your air conditioning 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 technique often produces 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 the perfect place for a winter den, and also chew through essential wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

While a tarp probably isn’t ideal, 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 a heavy block or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides open to the winter elements should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is properly winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking 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. Normal winter care helps protect against any nasty surprises come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Calgary

Preparing your air conditioning unit for icy and snowy weather may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it prevent costly 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, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers avoid HVAC trouble all year-round. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 403-279-5760. Always remember, taking care of your air conditioner today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!