Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to prepare your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes safeguards it against severe winter weather that could shorten its life. A few simple 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 conditioner becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to wear your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, remove any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain stuck 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 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 is too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, looking over and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving components and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance improves 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 confident43 you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open the protective lid, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This simple move 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 cause permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down your air conditioner 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. Check for cracks, blemishes, rust or other external issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything appears in order. If you identify a concern, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This prompt action helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you turn 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 technique often creates more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and fostering rust or mold development. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also chew through critical wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, 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 brick or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides exposed to the winter elements should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioning system is effectively winterized, you can’t simply forget about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, look 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. Regular winter care helps prevent any nasty surprises come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Austin

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 want air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.

For reliable, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Strand Brothers Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC trouble all year. With Strand Brothers Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Strand Brothers Service Experts today by calling 512-592-3072 . Always remember, taking care of your air conditioning unit today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!