In the United States, three-quarters of all homes have air conditioners. Usually, these air conditioners only see action during spring and summer. However, that doesn’t mean that you can just forget about your system come wintertime. In fact, to keep your unit operating smoothly and efficiently, it needs maintenance throughout the year.
To avoid damage from cold weather, ice, snow, or oxidation, it is vital that you prepare your air conditioning unit for the winter months. Here are some steps that you can follow.
Turn Off the Power
You need to turn off the power to your air conditioning unit to prevent electrocution while you or a contractor are performing maintenance tasks. This also keeps out water that could eventually freeze and damage the condensing unit.
To do this, simply find the breaker for your air conditioning system in your home’s electrical panel and flip the switch to the “Off” position. Keep it in that position over the winter months to stop your unit from accidentally powering up during a warm winter day.
Clean the Unit
An important part of air conditioning maintenance is cleaning. You have to make sure that your unit is clean while not in use since this prevents it from getting clogged and breaking down when you finally use it in the spring and summer months.
To clean your air conditioning unit, start by sweeping off any dirt or debris that is on or surrounding it. Then, using a hose, wash away any remaining dirt, leaves, bird droppings, and the like. Remember to let it dry completely before proceeding to the next steps.
Inspect the Unit
Check your air conditioning unit for any cracks or leaks and other abnormalities. Even the smallest issue can turn into a huge problem if pushed aside for too long. If you find any issues during this step, you should call a professional air conditioning company in Riverview, FL to help you. They should help you fix whatever may be going wrong with your air conditioning unit.
Put On Additional Insulation
Keep the wires and the fluid within the pipes in your air conditioning unit from freezing and cracking by putting on extra insulation. Envelop the air conditioning unit’s exposed pipes and wiring using foam pipe covers. Remember to remove the additional insulation when the warmer months start to hit.
Cover the Unit
Completely cover your air conditioning unit with a waterproof plastic or vinyl cover. This will insulate it and protect it from debris and the elements, as well as prevent cracking because of the freezing cold weather. Though there are covers that are specially made for air conditioners, you can still use a waterproof tarp. Simply wrap it around the unit and secure with bungee cords or ropes so that it doesn’t blow away when a strong wind comes passing through.
Air conditioner maintenance is a year-round task that you should do to ensure that your unit is working at is best. By following these steps, you are extending the life of your air conditioning unit, as well as increasing its efficiency and minimizing the need for repairs.
