5 Steps to Winterizing Your Air Conditioner
Leaves are turning beautiful shades of orange, yellow, and red, and the air is growing crisp. That's right, fall is here, which means winter is right around the corner. As you prepare your home in advance of the colder temperatures, don't forget to winterize your air conditioning unit. By taking steps to protect it during the coldest parts of the year, you will extend its service life and potentially avoid costly repairs next summer. Here are five easy steps to take to winterize your air conditioner.
Shut off the power
Turning off the power will prevent the unit from kicking on during unseasonably warm days. It will save on unnecessary energy expenses and give the air conditioning unit a much-needed break.
Clean the external condenser
Remove any debris that got stuck during the summer months. Clean out bugs, leaves, sticks, and dirt. You can also wipe down the surface with a damp towel. Make sure to do it on a warmer day so the unit can dry before you cover it.
Cover it
You can opt for a tarp or a simple sheet of plywood laid across the top and anchored with weights. But avoid plastic, as it is not breathable. Keep in mind, tarps may attract little critters who love a warm spot to build their nests.
Don't forget the pipes
Invest in foam pipe covers for any exposed areas of the pipe. They're easy to use and can be secured using everyone's favorite multi-purpose tool, duct tape.
Keep an eye on it
Check on your condenser periodically throughout the winter. Once a month or so is a good rule of thumb. Remove any snow, ice, debris, or animals you find to keep your unit ready for the summer months!
If you need help getting your HVAC system hunkered down for the winter, give us a call at Vital Air Services. We'll make sure your AC is tucked in properly!
CALL US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP AND BE YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER
