As the sudden chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter isn’t far behind. Now’s the time to spare a few moments to prep your AC for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away guards it against extreme winter weather that could decrease its life expectancy. A few easy 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 can be filled with debris like fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to don your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently flush out the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, take out any stubborn 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 whisking debris back into or underneath your condenser.
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 becomes too cold out. This tune-up and inspection includes determining the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving components 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 sure43 you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, look for the condensing unit’s exterior power switch. Open up the protective covering, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This straightforward action stops you from accidentally activating 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
Shutting down your AC after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to examine the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, blemishes, rust or other visible issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you spot any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preemptive action helps you avoid unpleasant surprises when you fire 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 produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and fostering rust or mold proliferation. Rats might even view your covered AC unit as a cozy winter den, and also chew through critical wiring and create an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Despite all this, protecting your AC from falling icicles is still key to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to shield the top of the air conditioner with plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the AC unit’s sides subjected to the winter storms should not cause any harm.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioning system is effectively winterized, you can’t simply ignore about it 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 necessary and get rid of any leaves or pine needles stuck in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps avoid any nasty predicaments 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 considerable. Not only does it reduce the chances of costly repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and durability.
For trustworthy, skilled assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all year-round. With Rob's Albertan Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Rob's Albertan Service Experts today by calling 780-800-9047. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!