Sunny Windows, Shady Trees and Other Non-Electrical Supports to HVAC

During the hottest days of the year, preparing your air conditioning unit for winter may seem silly. The summertime, however, is the best time to begin your preparations and get a head start on your end of the summer to-do list. Below are three things to be sure to do towards the end of the summer season before the cooler days come around.

Maintenance Check

No one enjoys their air conditioner breaking down during the heat of summer, so be sure to get your air conditioner maintenance properly before storing it for the cool weather seasons.

Your air conditioner's after season maintenance check is a good time to catch any issues that cropped up over the past few months of usage. Motors and controls will be properly lubricated, coolant levels will be checked, and all other systems will be tested to ensure they're working properly for the next air conditioning season. Issues that are caught early, such as improperly working controls or a thermostat that was improperly calibrated, will be fixed promptly and you'll be all set for next summer.

Properly Clean and Prep Your Unit

Over the past few months, your AC unit has been exposed to a lot of debris and outside elements. Before closing down your unit for the season, it's best to clean and prep it properly.

The outside of your unit should be hosed down to remove any debris or other accumulations. Larger pieces of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and rocks, should be moved away from the unit so that no damage occurs during the cooler months. Air filters should be changed and the unit should be completely dry inside and out before the unit is covered for the next few seasons to avoid the growth of mold or mildew.

Winterize Your Unit

If you live in an area with a particularly harsh winter, you may be concerned over the well being of your outdoor AC unit. There are a few things you can do to winterize your unit and prepare it for the long winter ahead.

Proper protection from the elements is important to keep rust at bay. A waterproof, plastic cover is your best chance at winter protection. Any exposed piping should be protected with foam pipe covers that are cut to fit the length of the pipe. This will protect the pipes from the freezing temperatures and any elements (snow, ice, sleet, and slush) that may try to make their way into your system.

To keep your air conditioning unit running for years, be sure to properly prepare your unit for the cooler months of non-use. For more information on proper maintenance and winterizing, consult with a company that provides air conditioning services in your area.