The last thing any homeowner wants is to be caught off-guard by the long, chilly, and unforgiving three months of winter that often feels like a lifetime.
But as you insulate and weatherproof your home, it’s quite easy to sideline the piece of equipment that helps you maintain a comfortable indoor space throughout the warmer months and the rest of the year.
Unless properly winterized, the cold weather can leave your air conditioner with significant damage, causing unwarranted inconveniences and losses after winter comes and goes.
Luckily, this piece sheds light on preparing your AC for winter, and how to do it properly.
Why Winterizing Your AC Is Crucial
Winterizing your air conditioner is key for its longevity. By preparing it for winter, you ensure it works optimally when warm weather revisits. Various methods aid this process.
For example, cleaning the external element removes dust and leaves that might disrupt functioning.
In addition, investing in a cover protects it from snow and ice damage. Therefore, as temperatures start dropping, remember to prep your AC for winter to maintain its optimum performance level moving forward.
A Quick Checklist Winterizing Your AC
- Turn off your air conditioner at the circuit breaker.
- Clean all debris from around the outside unit.
- Inspect your AC’s external casing for any visible damages or weaknesses.
- Apply protective spray to prevent rusting during harsh weather conditions.
- If there’s no severe damage, fit a waterproof cover over your AC; this will protect it from freezing temperatures.
- Lastly, pat yourself on the back knowing you have protected your system until spring returns, ultimately extending its operational lifespan!
How to Properly Prepare Your Air Conditioner For Winter: 5 Quick Tips
Proper winter preparation is a critical piece of the puzzle that keeps an AC system running smoothly. Here are five key elements you should address to get your air conditioner ready for winter.
1. Get Familiar With Common Winter AC Problems
Winter brings with it a unique set of problems that can impact your air conditioner.
From freezing temperatures affecting the coolant lines, to snow infiltrating and damaging the external units, you need to be prepared for these scenarios.
Understanding what might go wrong will help identify why these preventative measures are just as crucial as regular maintenance.
2. Understand the Importance of Professional Inspection
Winter is a great time to have your air conditioner serviced by a qualified technician. They ensure all parts are functioning correctly, replace any worn-out ones, and preemptively rectify issues concerning vital units like the compressor or fan blades.
Consequently, this leads to better performance and longevity of your AC system, preparing it well for the coming winter.
If you are experiencing any problems with your air conditioner, it is important to call a trusted company for HVAC repair needs as soon as possible. A delayed repair can lead to more serious problems and higher repair costs.
3. Turning Off and Disconnecting
In order to safeguard your AC from unpredictable winter weather, it’s essential that you switch it off at the main circuit breaker.
This crucial step not only protects the external units from power surges but also prevents accidental activation that could cause unnecessary strain on the system during winters.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance
The importance of cleaning before winterizing your AC is not to be underrated.
Start by removing leaves, dust, or any type of debris obstructing the outside unit for smooth functioning.
Then, clean off grime from its surfaces to prevent Icing over. Remember, a clean unit runs more efficiently!
5. Covering and Insulating
The last yet critical step in winterizing your AC is covering it properly. A waterproof cover keeps the components dry, guarding against snow, ice, and freezing rain.
Extra insulation around coolant lines further wards off potential freezing damage.
The goal is to keep parts protected yet allow enough breathability to avoid moisture buildup that could lead to mold or rust.
Wrapping up, preparing your AC for winter increases longevity while maintaining performance. With these simple yet effective steps, you won’t have to worry about the onset of cold weather. So protect your AC now, and look forward to a comfortable return to spring!