Autumn approaches! The weather is gorgeous, the fall festivities are starting, and you will soon be done using your air conditioner for the season. But before you start up your heat and get the hats and mittens out of the attic, take the time to pay a little bit of attention to your AC system. Here are our top tips for end-of-season AC care, so you can make sure your air conditioner will weather the winter well.
1: Assess the Condition of the Air Conditioner
It’s always best to have any service done as soon as possible, so before you forget about your AC for several months, give it an honest assessment. Has it been making any funny noises or smells? Have you been concerned about its effectiveness, or noticed any unexpected increase in your electric bills? Give it a thorough look-over. Do you see anything that seems wrong?
If you do have any concerns, schedule an appointment to have your air conditioner serviced before it sits in disuse for the winter. Having any repairs done now can avoid worsening problems and more costly repairs come spring.
2: Shut It Down Completely
If you only switch your thermostat from “cool” to “heat,” you aren’t actually shutting the air conditioner down. For the sake of the AC system, as well as to avoid the risk of electrical shock, the system should be shut down completely. There is a main on/off switch near the outdoor unit. Lift up the lid that covers it and flip the switch into the “off” position.
3: Clean the Outdoor Unit
Because the condenser unit is outside, it is vulnerable to all sorts of natural forces, and thus it gets quite dirty. It does contain delicate fins and the condenser coils, so you don’t want to do anything that might damage them. To get the outdoor unit clean as gently as possible, use a hose at low pressure to wash it down.
4: Weatherize the Outdoor Unit
Keeping the newly cleaned outdoor unit covered will protect it from winter storms, ice shards, blowing branches, and more. Make sure it’s completely dry after the cleaning before you put a winterizing cover on your outdoor AC unit in Clifton, NJ.
Most home supply stores will have AC condenser covers on hand at this time of year which are perfectly suited to the task, but it is possible to wrap the unit in heavy plastic sheeting or tarp. Just make sure it’s tightly secured.
5: Now It’s Time for the Hats and Mittens
Your air conditioner is ready to rest for the winter! Put on your favorite sweater, make yourself some hot cocoa or spiced apple cider, and get ready to hunker down. Don’t forget to make an appointment for heating maintenance, so when the fall breezes turn into cold winter wind, you’ll be able to keep cozy!
Contact MarGo Plumbing Heating Cooling Inc. today with AC or heating concerns or any questions about your HVAC system!