TIPS TO HELP YOU PREPARE YOUR CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONER FOR WINTER

Here are a few simple tips to help protect and winterize your central air conditioning unit.

Before you begin winterizing the air conditioner, contact a professional to have it inspected. A professional HVAC technician can pinpoint any potential issues and damage and fix it before winter. In addition to inspecting the outdoor unit, the technician will also make sure there isn't any damage to the rest of the system, including the indoor unit and the vents.

If the technician determines your ductwork needs cleaning, have it performed before winter. This will ensure your furnace runs at peak efficiency, which will keep your family warm and your heating bills lower.

Now that your HVAC system has been inspected, it's time to begin the winterization process. The first is to turn off the power to the outdoor unit. There are two important reasons to turn off the exterior power. The first is so that you’re not accidentally electrocuted while working on the outdoor unit.

The second reason is to prevent the unit from unintentionally kicking on while it's cold outside. This could cause the air conditioner to freeze, which will lead to serious damage.

The exterior power source is typically found in a small metal box near the outdoor unit. Simply open the box and turn off the switch. If you're having trouble accessing or locating the box, contact an HVAC technician for assistance.

Once you have turned the power off to the outdoor unit, clean it and the area surrounding it. This task will help prevent damage to the unit during the winter. Begin by picking up any brush, leaves, sticks and other debris from the ground surrounding the unit.

Next, grab your vacuum cleaner, and use the wand to clean the outdoor unit's blades. The blades' jobs is to pull air into the outdoor unit, and it can easily become covered in dirt and debris. Be gentle while cleaning off the blades because they are easily damaged.

Finally, clean off the entire outside unit with your garden hose. Make sure to eliminate as much dirt and debris as possible. If necessary, use a soft plastic scrub brush to help you get rid of the tough grime. Allow the unit to air dry completely before continuing.

Once the unit is completely dry, it is time to cover it. There are several options available, and the best for you will depend upon your needs and budget. For example, a store-bought cover is a great, inexpensive option. If you are worried about animals, such as deer, causing damage to your outdoor unit, a simple solution is to build a plywood structure around the unit.

Another option is to plant bushes and shrubs around the unit, but you must be careful if this is your choice. For your air conditioner to work in the summer, it has to be able to pull in air. If there are too many obstructions, the unit will not work, or worse, become severely damaged.

From having the outdoor and indoor units inspected to performing a thorough cleaning, there are several steps you need to take to protect your central air conditioner from the winter cold. If you have any other questions or concerns, contact Art Douglas Plumbing, Inc.