Protect Your Investment In Just 5 Easy Steps
For many Americans, an efficiently functioning air conditioner is an absolute necessity during the summer months. While temperatures have dropped quite a bit recently, ice, snow, and cold weather can pose a threat to your AC unit’s ability to work efficiently. Moisture can cause rust to develop, and a build-up of twigs, leaves, and debris cause your unit to work harder than it should.
Winterizing your air conditioner keeps your AC functioning properly, extends the useful service life of the unit, and keeps dollars in your pocket. Here are 5 easy steps for winterizing your air conditioner:
- Turn Off the A/C Unit
One thing that can contribute to a high winter electricity bill is the air conditioner automatically turning on during a particularly warm winter day. To ensure this doesn’t happen, you can turn off the unit at its main switch. Find the AC circuit that will be next to the unit, and will likely be covered with a plastic or metal lid. Open the lid and flip the switch to turn the circuit off permanently. In addition to keeping the unit off, this will also keep water out of the unit that if left to freeze can cause damage to the inner workings of your investment.
- Clean the Unit
Clear the unit of any leaves, small branches and twigs or glass clippings. Use a water hose to remove any bird droppings, dead bugs, dirt, and grime from the unit, and then allow it to completely dry before moving on to the next step.
- Cover Exposed Pipes
One of the most common reasons for calling a professional HVAC service is when water in a pipe freezes and the pressure causes the pipe to burst. To prevent this, cover all exterior pipes with foam pipe covers. You will likely need to cut the foam to fit the length and diameter of the pipe to properly insulate them. Use duct tape to secure the foam in place. Luckily, there is no need to remove the pipe covers once temperatures rise again, they can be left on year-round!
- Wrap the Unit in Plastic or Vinyl
Once you are sure that the air conditioner is completely dry, you can cover the unit in waterproofing material. While some air conditioner manufacturers sell specially-designed air conditioner covers, you can use any old piece of plastic or vinyl you have lying around, as long as it fits over the entire unit. Finally, use bungee cords or duct tape to secure the sheeting in place and prevent it from being blown away in the wind.
- Check Your Handiwork
Throughout the winter, it is a good idea to check your air conditioner cover to make sure it is secure and not leaking. Brush off any pinecones, leaves, or twigs that have accumulated on the cover.
By following these steps, you are guaranteed to maintain your air conditioner and protect its functionality during the cold winter months. For a professional consultation, reach out to the friendly HVAC technicians at AirNow HVAC today!