As the sudden chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prep your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer winds down shields it against harsh winter weather that could decrease its life. 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 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. Ensure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, take out any stubborn leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and complete a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your condenser.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you missed hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct31 seasonal 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, checking and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Scheduled air conditioner maintenance enhances efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and looks for and fixes any minor issues before they grow into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re sure43 you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the hot summer months, find the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Lift up the protective lid, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This straightforward 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 create irreversible damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Shutting down your air conditioner after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dings, rust or other exterior issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you see any issues, call a certified specialist to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preemptive action helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power on your air conditioner 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 technique often causes more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and promoting rust or mold development. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also bite through crucial 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 essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to cover the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter snows should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioning system is properly winterized, you can’t simply ignore about your AC 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 necessary and clean off any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps protect against any nasty predicaments come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Calgary
Preparing your air conditioner for cold temperatures may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it prevent costly repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.
For dependable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to A1 Chesney Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers reduce HVAC trouble all year-round. With A1 Chesney Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of understanding your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call A1 Chesney Service Experts today by calling 587-315-5271. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!