Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the sharp 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 conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away guards it against harsh winter weather that could decrease its lifespan. 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 becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a handy time to wear your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before dousing the unit. Then, get rid of any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and perform a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you missed setting up seasonal air conditioning maintenance last spring, it’s still not too late! Arrange to have a certified technician conduct an AC tune-up before it is too chilly. This tune-up and inspection includes checking 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 can find minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re positive43 you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, locate the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Lift up the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This effortless procedure stops 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 irreversible damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Shutting down your air conditioner after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to take a good look at 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 looks in order. If you see a problem, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive move helps you steer clear of unpleasant surprises when you fire up 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 brings about more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, preventing evaporation and encouraging rust or mold growth. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for winter den, and also chew through essential wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Despite all this, safeguarding 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 plywood weighed down with a heavy block or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides open to the winter storms should not cause any damage.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is correctly winterized, you can’t simply forget about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To ensure it stays in good shape, take a peek at your AC about once a week. Adjust the plywood if needed 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 Tempe

Preparing your air conditioning unit for winter weather may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are significant. 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 boosts your unit’s efficiency and durability.

For dependable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Orangutan Home Services. Our team provides superb service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all year. With Orangutan Home Services by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of realizing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Orangutan Home Services today by calling 602-906-0111. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!