With the seemingly transition from autumn to winter, preparing your air conditioning unit before the first snowball is important. There are many reasons why it’s important and smart to prepare the condenser, which is the unit that’s placed outside your home. This can make it easier to start the air conditioning back up next spring/summer and extend the service life of the unit (which is financially healthy).
What you will need to do is to maintain it during winter, so it functions without disruptions when you need it again. Now, if your AC unit has gotten you through the countless hot summer days, it’s time to return the favour by taking these simple steps to properly repair it before the winter chill hits.
How Do I Take Care of My AC Unit During Winter?
Imagine this: the leaves have all fallen, and the weather has never been chillier. Whether you go to the reference or not, you need to be prepared: winter can be detrimental for your outdoor AC unit.
In order to maintain a comfortable temperature in your dwelling year-roof, it’s advisable to have a solid air conditioning maintenance plan in place. As the winter sets in and the temperature drops, it’s especially important to take some extra safety measures with the exterior unit, which is directly exposed to the weather conditions.
Similar to servicing your furnace regularly, it’s in your best interest to add winter aircon maintenance to your to-do list. By doing so, you will dodge unexpected damage to the unit caused by low temperatures and water. More often than not, homeowners are advised to include these steps in their AC maintenance scheme before and during the winter months:
Switch the Unit Off
Prior to any maintenance task, it’s important to turn off your air conditioning’s power supply. This way, the AC won’t pose an electrocution danger while you’re cleaning or inspecting it. Also, you want to be sure the AC doesn’t accidentally turn on on an unusually warm day. Your AC’s power control is located in a box that’s attached to the exterior wall of your house. You will see a box made of metal cover or plastic inside which lays the flip.
Clean Your AC Unit
The air conditioning unit and the area around it accumulate leaves, dirt, bird excrement, and other types of debris. Take a broom and try cleaning as much of the grime as possible. Next, wash it down using a hose to remove the rest of the dirt. Before proceeding with a much-needed maintenance task, you will need to let the unit dry completely. Cleaning will protect your air conditioning from breakdowns caused by clogging. Choose a sunny or not too windy day for cleaning as the wind may blow the debris inside the unit.
Inspect Your AC Unit
Your AC should be diligently checked next. Pay attention to its exterior; look for any signs of cracks, corrosion, and other issues. Also, examine the seals to determine the condition they’re in. If something’s off, don’t hesitate to contact your contractor for an expert inspection of a problem that may be too dangerous or complicated. Reliable AC technicians will identify the core of the problem and prevent further deterioration of your unit.
Insulate Your AC Unit
Prevent harsh winter conditions from damaging your air conditioning by insulating and covering it. Strong wind can lead to the accumulation of debris that could impair the function of your AC unit. Even more, water could seep into the unit and freeze inside, causing a fault with the condenser fins.
Fortunately, you can reduce your exterior unit’s contact with the harsh weather elements in a very simple way by applying a cover during the winter. Note that this cover should be made of breathable material and be able to tolerate the weather and keep the dirt out. Your AC’s pipers and wiring, too, need to be protected with duct tape and pipe insulation. They’re less exposed to freeze and cracks this way.
Schedule Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is important not only to help prevent technical issues but also to keep the system operating optimally. Hiring the right Mouritz Air Conditioning Perth technicians can help you save money in the short term as you see lower utility costs and in the long term with a well-cared-for AC unit that lasts for years and years.
Air conditioning technicians are able to complete a 22-point air conditioner checklist that includes:
- Air filter replacement or cleaning
- Coolant level monitoring
- Drain cleaning, vacuuming, and flushing
- AC coil and find cleaning
- Complete system inspection
To save you time and hassle, prepare your AC unit for winter and ensure that it’s properly cared for by contacting a technician or contractor today.
How Do Preventive AC Maintenance and Service Help?
The best way to ensure optimal performance of your AC unit and prevent costly breakdowns in the year around is to schedule an AC service tune-up. Here’s how this works:
- Preventive maintenance increases the efficiency of your unit, which can bring significant energy savings.
- Regular maintenance can also reduce the risk of surprise breakdowns and expensive repairs.
- Routine maintenance can extend your air conditioning’s lifespan, increasing its value.
- Not following a routine maintenance schedule can empty your warranty and make you pay out of pocket for any repairs.
After you’ve winterized your outdoor unit, do a monthly inspection during the winter to make sure there isn’t any debris or small animals inside. Brush ice and now off the outside unit too.
If you follow these winterizing tips, your AC should run smoothly for its full life expectancy. Of course, when your AC unit lifespan comes to an end, make sure it is protected with a home warranty plan. It pays to know your appliances are protected when they break down from normal wear and tear.
