Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter is not far away. Now’s the time to stop and dedicate a few moments to prep your air conditioner for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer drifts away guards it against harsh winter weather that could reduce its life. A few easy steps are all you’ll need to prime your air conditioner for optimum 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 good time to wear your work gloves, clear away this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Ensure the outside temperature is comfortably above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any tenacious leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps protect against winter winds from whisking debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you missed 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 becomes too cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes measuring the refrigerant level and testing for leaks, looking over and tightening electrical connections, lubricating moving parts and testing the system safety controls, among other tasks. Routine air conditioner maintenance increases efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and looks for and fixes any minor issues before they morph into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident43 you have used your AC for the last time during the hot summer months, find the condensing unit’s outside power switch. Lift up the protective covering, flip the switch off and make sure to push the lid down again. This simple move protects 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 your air conditioner after the cooling season requires more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also a good time to take a good look at the outdoor unit’s condition. Look out for cracks, dings, rust or other visible issues. Make sure that all seals and insulation are secure and everything seems in order. If you identify a problem, call a professional to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This prompt action 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 cover 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 proliferation. Mice might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also gnaw through essential wiring and leave you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

While a tarp probably isn't ideal, protecting your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to protect the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with bricks or large rock to make sure the wind doesn’t blow it away. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides subjected to the winter storms should not cause any damage.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your air conditioner 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 necessary and remove any leaves or pine needles caught in the condensing unit. Routine winter care helps prevent any nasty surprises come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in Birmingham

Preparing your AC for winter weather may not be the most glamorous task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it help you avoid pricey repairs and delays when you need air conditioning next spring, but it also encourages your unit’s efficiency and longevity.

For reliable, experienced assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Norrell Service Experts. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers avoid HVAC challenges all year-round. With Norrell Service Experts by your side, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind of understanding your home comfort is in highly capable hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Norrell Service Experts today by calling 205-267-0023. Keep in mind, taking care of your AC today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!