You’ve enjoyed a long, cool summer with your air conditioner, but the wind is chilling, and it’s time to let go of the heat and embrace the cold. However, you may wonder how you should prepare your air conditioner for the coldness of winter, too. There are a few very important steps to make sure your air conditioner is prepped and ready to be stored safely all winter. Hiring a professional like Express Plumbing Heating & Air can make it simple to protect your air conditioning unit in any season.
Turn Your AC Off
Leaving your air conditioning unit on all winter can lead to expensive damage and problems in the future. When you leave your AC on, it may turn on and off on its own if there is a warmer day, making liquid in the unit. When the weather gets cold enough and it freezes, you’re left with a big problem in the spring. Damage to the coils, difficulty turning it on when you’re ready, and broken parts inside can be some of the issues you run into.
Turn your air conditioner off by finding the “on/off” switch and turning it to “off.” Once it’s off, you don’t have to worry about any mishaps or impromptu air conditioning all winter. In the spring, return to that same “on/off” switch and turn it on. Allow it to circulate the air for a while, and soon, your air conditioner should be back up and running without a hitch.
Give It a Good Clean
Now that your air conditioner is turned off, you can give it a scrub. Cleaning your air conditioner before the winter can save you a lot of hassle when you’re ready to use it again. Dirt and debris can make it difficult for your air conditioner to run at its best, and it can only get worse if it is left dirty all winter. Clean your air conditioner by removing any twigs, leaves, or branches that might have gotten lodged inside the unit. When all of the big things are gone, wash and wipe any bugs or dirt that may have built up over the warmer seasons.
The coils may also need to be cleaned to make sure there is no leftover dust, dirt, or debris stuck to them because of the moisture and tight space between them. An air conditioner can be cleaned with a mild detergent and water or special coil cleaners that are made to keep the longevity of the parts in your air conditioner. Ending the season with a clean air conditioner will make you thank yourself when you’re ready to use it again.
Make Sure You Change the Filters
Dirty filters can be a big problem in your air conditioning unit. If the filters are already dirty, there is no way for fresh air to get in, and instead, your air conditioner will be pushing dirty air and potential toxins into your home. Changing your filters before winter can help you prevent poor air circulation during and after the cold season. An old or dirty filter may lead to bad or lingering smells, stale air, or allergy flare-ups.
A professional will change your filter by opening the air conditioning unit and finding the filter sheet placed inside. This can vary depending on your air conditioning unit. The filter is typically a sheet with ridges designed to collect the debris that is filtered out of the air before it enters your room. Remove and replace this sheet to refresh the air that will circulate through your air conditioner. Keeping a fresh filter in your air conditioner is something that many people forget but can have a big impact on how your air conditioner functions in your home.
Check On the Insulation
Your air conditioner is full of pipes and tubing that make it run properly, keeping your home full of fresh, cool air. These pipes use insulation to stay safe and in good shape. If that insulation is damaged or not where it’s supposed to be, you can find a big problem in the spring. This insulation will protect your pipes from freezing temperatures so they don’t freeze and become damaged. Make sure the foam fully covers your pipes and any copper wires that may be visible.
If there is any damage or exposed pipes and wires, new insulation can be run around the exposed area to prevent damage to those parts in the future. This is a necessary investment to prevent an even more expensive repair or replacement in the future. Request help from a professional technician if you’ve never insulated your AC unit before.
Cover Your Air Conditioner
Once all of that is done and everything is off, clean, and secure, you can cover your unit. Keeping your air conditioner covered throughout the winter season can prevent damage from the elements such as snow, sleet, or ice. A waterproof or vinyl cover can be good options for covers on an outdoor air conditioning unit. These can also be good choices for window units. A professional can safely cover the unit with the vinyl or waterproof cover and secure it with flexible cords, bungee cords, or vinyl ropes to prevent shifting or falling off. Once you’re ready to use your air conditioner again, you have a clean and well-maintained unit all ready to go.
Take the Time to Prepare Now
Preparing your air conditioner for the harsh Idaho winters can be a bit of a time-consuming process. There are a lot of parts that need to be cleaned, checked, and replaced before you can sit back and relax. However, taking the time to make these preparations is something you shouldn’t skip out on.
Choosing not to properly prepare your home air conditioning system can lead to major and expensive issues including rust and coercion of the unit, pipes, or cables, animals or bugs nesting inside the unit and making it unsafe for everyone, or even damage from ice or frozen debris that is left inside the unit when the season starts. All of these things can be avoided with just the right maintenance, a little time, and some patience. Seasonal maintenance on your air conditioner performed by experienced technicians is something every air conditioner owner should prioritize.
Hire a Professional to Take Care of It for You
You may be too busy to do a full maintenance project on your air conditioner, and it can be dangerous for an untrained professional to do all of this work on your own and with no guidance. That’s where Express Plumbing Heating & Air comes in. Express Plumbing Heating & Air is Boise’s number one plumbing company with heating and cooling service serving Boise, Caldwell, Nampa, and surrounding areas in the state of Idaho. Express Plumbing Heating & Air is the professional servicer you need to complete scheduled maintenance on your air conditioner every season. With a thorough inspection, cleaning, and tune-up, you can have confidence that your air conditioner is ready for a safe winter. Contact Express Plumbing Heating & Air today to schedule professional maintenance on your air conditioner before the winter comes to your city.
