Can you feel the breeze getting a bit chilly? Noticed the leaves turning into gorgeous colors of gold, yellow or red? Perhaps the later sunrise and early sunsets will let you know that the year is now racing towards winter. Yes, winter is coming! Now it is time to bid summers goodbye. But before you decide to turn on your heating systems, it’s important that you take care of your air conditioning that has protected you from the scorching heat of the summer. With the heat on standby, just ready to kick in, you have the perfect time to take care of your AC units. That’s why we prepared this thorough guide on how to prepare your AC for winter.
Here are a few steps that you can take to ensure the best performance of your air conditioner during the next summer.
Check the filter
When was the last time you inspected the filter of your Air Conditioner? If you run your cooling systems often, it is important to clean the filter every month. An air filter protects and prevents the system from failing. Therefore, it’s also a great idea to clean or replace the filter always during the change of season. Checking the filters reduces allergens and pathogens in the home and also helps cut down the energy bill by 5 to 15 percent.
Give your AC a thorough cleaning
It’s no brainer that when you use things a lot, they get dirty. Your utility bills from the past summer months are a proof of how hard your AC unit has been working. Giving the inner coils of the AC, outer casings, air ducts and other frequently used controls a thorough cleaning before the winds get frosty. This will help you prevent any gunk causing issues before you rerun the unit in the next season.
Inspect the ducts
In one of previous articles we discussed the advantages of ductless air conditioners. If you have ductless AC then you can skip this step. When you vacuum the air vents, make sure you inspect the air ducts for any possible leak or lack of insulation. Inadequate insulation or leaky ducts can make your air conditioner work harder ultimately increasing your utility bills. Make sure you seal the leaks with metal tape and mastic. Also, insulate the air ducts that are outside the living space using insulation with a good vapor barrier. The exposed pipes and wiring, especially the ones that go into your home will also need insulation. You can use foam insulation and duct tape to keep pipes from freezing and breaking during winter.
Shut off the power
You can avoid any risk of condenser damage in case someone accidentally turns the thermostat to “cool” during winter by turning off the unit’s power. The shut-off box is usually located on the exterior wall near the condenser unit. Flip the switch, and the unit’s power will be shut off.
Schedule a maintenance check-up
When it comes to DIY AC maintenance, there’s only so much you can do. To keep your air conditioning to the best of its abilities, you must call in the expert professionals every once in a while. Change of season is the perfect time to schedule a maintenance check up and plan for AC system repairs. Spending few bucks on annual maintenance can save you plenty more in the long run. Plus, the peace of mind you’ll get knowing your AC unit will be up and running in an instant the next season is totally worth the maintenance cost.
If you want to learn more about AC types and feature be sure to check our Air conditioner guide. What do you think about preparing your AC unit for winter? Share your views in the comment section below.
