Don’t Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter
As the sudden chill of autumn begins to flow through the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to prep your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against harsh winter weather that could reduce its life span. 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 becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is a good time to wear your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Be sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any stubborn 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 blowing debris back into or underneath your AC unit.
Maintain the AC Unit
If you skipped scheduling regular 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 checking the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, examining and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving elements and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Regular air conditioner maintenance improves efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and catches minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.
Disconnect Your Air Conditioner
When you’re sure you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the hot summer months, look for the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Open the protective covering, flip the switch off and secure the lid once more. This effortless action prevents you from accidentally turning on the air conditioner during the winter months. Running the AC when the condensing unit is covered with ice may create irreparable damage.
Examine the Exterior Unit
Shutting down yourair conditioning equipment after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also important to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Watch out for cracks, dings, rust or other visible issues. Double-check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you spot any issues, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue escalates. This preventive action helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you fire up your AC 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, preventing evaporation and fostering rust or mold development. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as the perfect place for a winter den, and also gnaw through essential wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.
Even though a covering might not be the best idea, protecting 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 bricks or large rock to ensure the wind doesn’t knock it over. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides subjected to the winter snows should not cause any problems.
Routinely Inspect the Unit
Once your air conditioner is effectively winterized, you can’t simply ignore your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, glance at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if required and clean off any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps protect against 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 glamorous 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 promotes your unit’s efficiency and life expectancy.
For dependable, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, reach out to Rob's Albertan Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC issues all year. With Rob's Albertan Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of realizing your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, reach out to Rob's Albertan Service Experts today by calling 780-800-9047. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today makes for a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!
