As the sudden chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to take a few moments to ready your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes safeguards it against harsh winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. A few simple steps are all it takes to prime your air conditioner for peak efficiency come spring.
Deep Clean Your Air Conditioner
As the seasons change, your outdoor air conditioner often can become filled with fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a good time to don your work gloves, get rid of this debris and gently wash out the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is well above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, take out any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain jammed in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps stop winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your AC unit.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you overlooked hiring an HVAC specialist to conduct31 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 is too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring 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. Regular air conditioner maintenance improves 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 this season, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This simple move stops you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. An unintended switch to cooling mode when the condensing unit is covered with ice might cause irreversible damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Shutting down your air conditioning equipment after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dings, rust or other external issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you identify any issues, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive move helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you power up 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 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 essential wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Even though a covering might not be the best idea, shielding your AC from falling icicles is still essential to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to shield the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter storms should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your outdoor AC unit 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, take a peek at your AC about every week or so. Adjust the plywood if required and remove any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps protect against any nasty surprises come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Long Island
Preparing your AC for icy and snowy weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are considerable. Not only does it reduce the chances of pricey repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and longevity.
For trustworthy, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, turn to Matz-Rightway. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers reduce HVAC challenges all the time. With Matz-Rightway by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of knowing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Matz-Rightway today by calling 631-406-9220. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioning unit today is the best way to enjoy a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!