Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sudden chill of autumn begins to float through the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to prepare your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer winds down guards it against extreme winter weather that could reduce its life span. A few basic steps are all it takes 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 put on 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 using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, remove any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you skipped hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct routine 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 chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, looking over and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving elements and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Regular air conditioner maintenance increases 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 positive you have used your AC for the last time this season, find the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open up the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This effortless action protects you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may create permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Turning off yourAC after the cooling season calls for more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Watch out for cracks, blemishes, rust or other visible issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you see any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preventive measure 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 drape 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, stopping evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for a winter den, and also bite through crucial wiring and provide you with 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 key to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to cover the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides open to the winter elements should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is properly winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about it until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if required and clean off any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps prevent any nasty predicaments come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Fort Lauderdale

Preparing your air conditioning unit for cold temperatures may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it reduce the chances of costly repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For trustworthy, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers reduce HVAC trouble all year-round. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 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, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Always remember, taking care of your air conditioning unit today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!

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