Dont Neglect Your Air Conditioner this Winter

As the crisp chill of autumn begins permeating the air, you know winter will arrive soon. Now’s the time to set aside a few moments to ready your air conditioning system for the off-season. Shutting down your AC as summer wanes guards it against severe winter weather that could decrease its lifespan. 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 air conditioning system becomes a landing spot for fallen leaves and pine cones. This is the ideal time to put on your work gloves, remove this debris and gently hose down the outdoor condensing unit. Make sure the outside temperature is adequately above freezing before putting water into the unit. Then, remove any particularly uncooperative leaves or twigs that remain stuck in the nooks and crannies and make a final sweep around the unit. This helps prevent winter winds from sending debris back into or underneath your AC unit.

Maintain the AC Unit

If you missed scheduling 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 gets too cold outside. This tune-up and inspection includes determining 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 enhances efficiency, extends your unit’s life span and looks for and fixes any minor issues before they escalate into expensive problems.

Disconnect Your Air Conditioner

When you’re confident43 you have used your air conditioner for the last time during the summer, look for the condensing unit’s outdoor power switch. Open up the protective lid, flip the switch off and put the lid back down. This effortless move 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 permanent damage.

Examine the Exterior Unit

Powering down your air conditioning equipment after the cooling season involves more than just flicking off a switch. It’s also an opportunity to scrutinize the outdoor unit’s condition. Check for cracks, dents, rust or other exterior issues. Take an extra moment to check that all seals and insulation are secure and everything looks in order. If you identify a problem, call a qualified technician to service the air conditioner before the issue becomes an even bigger problem. This preventive measure helps you reduce the chances of any unpleasant surprises when you turn on 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 strategy often produces more problems than it solves. Moisture can condense on the unit through the plastic, stopping evaporation and encouraging rust or mold proliferation. Rodents might even view your covered AC unit as a lovely spot to build a winter den, and also gnaw through critical wiring and provide you with an unwelcome repair bill in the spring.

Even though a covering might not be the best idea, safeguarding your AC from falling icicles is still critical to preventing internal damage. The best compromise is to cover the top of the air conditioner with some plywood weighed down with a brick or large rock to make certain the wind doesn’t blow the wood off. Leaving the air conditioning unit’s sides subjected to the winter elements should not cause any harm.

Routinely Inspect the Unit

Once your outdoor AC unit is properly winterized, you can’t simply forget about your cooling system until you need it next spring. To make certain it stays in good shape, look at your AC about a few times each month. Adjust the plywood if necessary and clean off any leaves or pine needles embedded in the condensing unit. Normal winter care helps avoid any nasty surprises come spring.

Schedule Air Conditioning Service Today in San Antonio

Preparing your air conditioning unit for icy and snowy weather may not be the most exciting task, but the benefits are significant. Not only does it prevent pricey repairs and delays when you want air conditioning next spring, but it also boosts your unit’s efficiency and length of service.

For trustworthy, expert assistance with the air conditioning tasks outlined above, contact Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air. Our team provides first-rate service to help our customers prevent HVAC issues all the time. With Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air by your side, you’ll enjoy the security of knowing your home comfort is in skilled hands. To schedule an AC repair or maintenance visit, call Aramendia Plumbing, Heating and Air today by calling 210-404-4233. Remember, taking care of your air conditioner today helps create a cooler, more comfortable tomorrow!