As summer slips away and the colder months approach, you’ll want to shut down the appliances that made you comfortable all season. Your central air conditioner is one such appliance. When you prepare it to survive the winter, it will be ready to go again when the summer months arrive. DeZiel Heating & AC, a leading provider of AC services, offers AC maintenance programs and annual tune-ups to ensure your system is always running at its best. But there are some things you can do on your own to help maintain your AC unit and keep it in good shape.
Turn The Unit Off This one seems like a no-brainer, but it’s important to turn your AC off before the winter sets in. Leaving it on is not only a waste of energy, but it can also cause serious damage to the unit. Water can freeze inside the system and crack the compressor, which is one of the most expensive parts of the AC to replace. You don’t have to switch off the power completely, you only need to turn off the power to the units.
Clean The Unit Clean the outside of your AC to remove any dirt, leaves, or other debris that may have accumulated over the summer. This will help keep the unit in good condition and improve its efficiency. It also ensures that none of the items will get pushed inside your unit. It’s also a good idea to clean the inside of the unit, although you’ll need to call a professional to do this. They will use special equipment to clean the coils and other parts of your unit without damaging them.
Keep The Area Around Your Unit Clear Your AC needs a clear area around it to function properly. If there are any bushes or other plants growing too close to the unit, trim them back. This will improve airflow and prevent leaves and other debris from clogging up the system when you turn it on. It also helps to keep pests away from your AC unit. If you have any questions about preparing your AC for winter or if you need any assistance, contact DeZiel Heating & AC today. We’re always happy to help!
Remove Any Water From Inside Your Unit You should remove any water that’s inside your AC unit before winter arrives. This includes draining the condensate line and removing any water from the base pan. If there is any water left in the unit, it could freeze and damage the coils or other parts.
Install Pipe Covers Pipes freeze when the temperature outside drops below freezing. To prevent this from happening, you should install pipe covers over any exposed pipes. This will help insulate them and keep them from freezing. Foam covers are especially effective and can be found at most hardware stores.
Cover Your AC Unit If your air conditioner came with a cover, make sure to use it. If not, you can purchase a vinyl or plastic cover at most hardware stores. The cover will protect your unit from the elements and keep it clean. It’s important to note that you should only cover the outside of your AC unit if it’s completely turned off and free of any water. Remember to secure the cover so that it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
Check The AC Unit Weekly Nothing should find its way into your AC unit over the winter months. It’s always a good idea to check it periodically to make sure that nothing has gotten inside. Make sure that the cover is still secure and that there is no water inside the unit. If you find anything, remove it. If you see any signs of damage, such as cracks or leaks, call a professional immediately. With these simple tips, you can prepare your AC unit for winter and ensure that it’s in good condition when the warmer months arrive. DeZiel Heating & AC is a licensed HVAC contractor that provides top-class AC services. Sign up for our AC maintenance programs and annual tune-ups so that your AC will run efficiently all year round.
Call A Professional HVAC Contractor Today
If you’re not comfortable performing any of the above tasks, or if you don’t have the time, you can always call DeZiel Heating & AC. We will be able to take care of everything for you and ensure that your AC unit is properly prepared for winter. Our team of licensed and experienced professionals will inspect your unit, clean it, and make any necessary repairs. We’ll also be able to advise you on the best way to protect your unit from the cold weather. Contact us today at (763) 200-5453 to schedule a consultation.
