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As summer turns to fall and temperatures begin to drop, you will find yourself using your AC unit less and less. This is especially true in colder climates where temperatures can plunge for months at a time. Your AC unit, however, must be protected when it is not in use during the winter months. Here are some tips to winterize your AC unit this season.
Turn Your Unit Off
The first step you should take to winterize your AC unit is to turn it off. If you don’t do this, the unit may begin running on unusually warm days. This can result in water condensing in the unit, which could freeze when the temperature drops again, severely damaging the condenser unit. Some AC units can be turned off by flipping a switch near the unit. If you can’t find this switch, go to your home’s exterior power circuit and turn off the switch labeled for your air conditioner.
Clean Your AC Unit
When winterizing your AC unit, you will want to make sure it is as clean as possible. If you have not cleaned your outdoor unit for some time, it has probably become quite dirty. Over time, things like leaves, twigs, dirt, and random debris tend to accumulate on and around the unit. In some cases, the area between the metal fins of the condenser unit can become clogged and dirty, which can affect the appliance’s performance.
Take the time to remove any gunk or dirt that has built up on your unit. You may need a broom to sweep away leaves and other types of debris, and once you do this, you can use a hose to gently rinse between the metal fins on the exterior unit. After rinsing, make sure your unit is completely dry before starting the next winterization task.
Schedule a Professional Inspection
Before winter arrives, you may want to schedule a professional inspection. An inspection will determine if your unit is in good working order, so when you need your AC again in a few months, there won’t be a problem. An inspection will also help ensure the unit is free of problems that can make it more susceptible to harsh winter conditions. Although you may be tempted to inspect your unit yourself, an HVAC professional can perform a more thorough inspection using their specialized tools and knowledge.
During the inspection, the HVAC technician will look for things like loose components, cracks, and leaks. They will also make sure the unit’s casing is in decent condition. If they notice any damage or problems, they will alert you and help you choose the best course of action.
Clean Your AC Filter
Your AC unit works hard to keep you cool during the summer, and for this reason, your AC filter is probably dirty and worn. Most filters should be removed and replaced or cleaned regularly to improve energy efficiency. Cleaning and replacing your filter regularly can improve its efficiency by up to 15%. A professional can change your filter for you so you won’t have any problems. They will simply insert the new filter into the unit when needed. If your AC has a reusable filter, it should be rinsed off with water and soaked periodically. After you do this, be sure to wipe down the outside of the unit and the AC coils with a wet rag.
Utilize a Smart Thermostat
Utilizing a smart thermostat during the cooler months is a great idea. Smart thermostats allow you to track and control energy consumption via a smartphone app when you’re home or away. To get the most savings, you can set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you’re home and lower it 10-12 degrees at night when your comforter is keeping you warm or when you are away. This will allow you to save up to 10% on your heating bill. Smart thermostat’s advanced features also learn your preferences and optimize for a balance of efficiency and comfort. You can control your thermostat using any smart device.
Inspect Your Ducts
Before the heating season starts, you should have a professional inspect your home’s HVAC ducts to ready your system for the winter. Sealing ducts will eliminate disconnections, gaps, and damage that causes heat loss and poor heating efficiency. A professional can use specialized equipment to test for duct leakage and make repairs if necessary.
Duct leaks can have a major impact on heating efficiency, sometimes causing homes to lose up 20-30% of their heat. Air leaks are especially a problem during winter, primarily because a significant amount of heat is lost when traveling through ducts to various living areas – this heat usually finds its way into unconditioned areas of your home.
Cold air from the crawlspace, basement, or attic can also accumulate inside your home’s ducts and move to living areas along with the heated air. This will lower the temperature, which will usually prompt homeowners to turn up the thermostat, use more energy, and make their unit work harder.
Purchase an Air Conditioner Cover
Once your AC unit is free of dirt and debris, you will probably want to keep it that way. An air conditioner cover is a simple solution that can keep snow, ice, and garden debris from impacting your AC unit during the winter months.
Most home improvement and hardware stores offer a variety of covers to suit most AC models and makes, but if you can’t find one right away, a waterproof tarp will work well too. When you find the right cover, fasten it tightly near the bottom of the unit but be sure to leave a little space. This will help moisture that accumulates in your AC to escape. If your cover doesn’t have a fastening strap, you can use a nylon rope or bungee cord.
Create a Buffer Zone Around Your AC
To protect your AC unit from the harsh winter conditions, you should create a buffer zone around it. Remove any shrubs, branches, or tall grass growing near your unit to prevent them from rubbing against the AC during storms or strong winds. This will also prevent debris and leaves from falling into the unit. Always maintain a few feet of space around the unit to make sure nothing interferes with the system during the winter.
Add Insulation
You can add a layer of insulation to your unit to protect it from potential damage. This is especially helpful if your unit features exposed wires. When temperatures plunge, pipes and wiring can become brittle, resulting in electrical issues and leaks. Insulating material, like foam pipe covers can be wrapped around the pipes to protect your system and prevent freezing. This step is relatively cheap and easy to implement, but it can prevent extensive damage.
Schedule Maintenance Before Winter Arrives
Winterizing your AC unit is easier than you might think. By taking the previously mentioned tips to heart and taking a bit of time, you can keep your AC unit in pristine condition this winter. If you need help winterizing your AC, you should reach out to Atticman Heating and Air Conditioning, Insulation. We offer several heating and cooling services in the Sacramento area, and we always strive to satisfy all our customers. Contact us today to schedule an AC maintenance appointment before winter arrives.
