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 spare a few moments to ready your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer winds down guards it against severe winter weather that could decrease its life. A few simple steps are all you will need 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 the ideal time to wear your work gloves, remove this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your condenser.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you skipped scheduling 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 gets 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 improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and catches minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident43 you have used your cooling system for the last time during the summer, locate the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open up the protective lid, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This straightforward procedure prevents you from accidentally running the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice could cause irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Powering down your AC after the cooling season calls for more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dings, rust or other visible issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you spot any issues, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue gets worse. This prompt action helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you power up your air conditioner after its long winter hibernation.

Guard Your Air Conditioner Against Falling Ice

While some homeowners shield 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 growth. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also gnaw through crucial wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Even though a covering might not be the best idea, protecting your AC from falling icicles is still essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with a piece of plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the outdoor unit’s sides exposed to the winter elements should not cause any problems.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner 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 once a week. Adjust the plywood if necessary and remove any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps avoid any nasty scenarios come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Nashville

Preparing your air conditioning unit for cold temperatures may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it help you avoid expensive repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.

For reliable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Donelson Air Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC trouble all year-round. With Donelson Air Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of understanding your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Donelson Air Service Experts today by calling 615-953-9885. Remember, taking care of your AC today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!