Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter
As the sudden chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to ready your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away safeguards it against extreme winter weather that could reduce 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 AC unit often can become filled with fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a good time to wear your work gloves, remove this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before using the garden hose to clean out the unit. Then, get rid of any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain nestled in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your air conditioning system.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you missed setting up regular air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a professional technician conduct an AC tune-up before it becomes too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving elements 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 grow into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re positive you have used your cooling system for the last time during the hot summer months, find the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open up the protective lid, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This effortless action protects 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 irreparable damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Powering down yourair conditioning equipment 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. Watch out for cracks, blemishes, rust or other external issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you identify a concern, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive measure helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you fire up your air conditioning 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 tactic often produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and fostering rust or mold development. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for a winter den, and also bite through essential wiring and leave you with 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 protect the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter snows should not cause any damage.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioner is correctly winterized, you can’t simply stop thinking about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make sure it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if required and get rid of any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Regular winter care helps avoid any nasty scenarios come spring.
Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Edmonton
Preparing your air conditioning unit for icy and snowy weather may not be the most thrilling task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it reduce the chances of expensive repairs and delays when you are looking to enjoy the air conditioning next spring, but it also promotes your unit’s efficiency and length of service.
For reliable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact McKinley Heating Service Experts. Our team provides top-notch service to help our customers reduce HVAC trouble all year-round. With McKinley Heating 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, reach out to McKinley Heating Service Experts today by calling 780-800-7092. Keep in mind, taking care of your air conditioning unit today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!
