Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to prep your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away safeguards it against extreme winter weather that could shorten its life expectancy. A few simple steps are all you will need to prime your air conditioner for peak efficiency come spring.

Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner

As the seasons change, your outdoor air conditioner 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 hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you overlooked scheduling routine 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 checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and catches 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 during the hot summer months, find the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Lift up the protective cover, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple move stops you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Accidentally turning on the air conditioner when the condensing unit is covered with ice may cause permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down yourair conditioner after the cooling season calls for more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dings, rust or other exterior issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you see a problem, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive measure helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you turn on 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 tactic often produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, blocking evaporation and encouraging rust or mold development. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also bite through essential wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

While a tarp probably isn’t ideal, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides exposed to the winter storms should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner is properly winterized, you can’t simply ignore it until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if needed and clean off 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 conditioner for winter weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are immense. Not only does it help you avoid expensive repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

For reliable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers prevent HVAC trouble all the time. With Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of knowing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning today by calling 954-736-4314. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!