What You Need to Know About Preparing Your Central AC for Winter

18 October 2017
 Categories: , Blog

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Depending on where you live in the United States, you might only rely on your home's central air conditioning unit for a portion of the year, such as during the warmer spring and summer months. If this is the case, then it's also important to understand the steps you'll need to take during the cooler fall and winter months to protect your central AC unit and keep it protected from rust, corrosion, and other damage in extreme temperatures. Fortunately, by following just a few simple steps, you can have your air conditioner ready for winter.

Remove Leaves and Debris

Start by taking the time to carefully remove any debris that may have piled up on top of or around the unit. This may include leaves, twigs, grass clippings, and other organic matter from your yard. While this debris could break down on its own over time, there is also a chance that it could become lodged inside the central AC unit and cause problems when it comes time to start up the AC next spring.

Consider Covering it Up

One of the best investments you can make when it comes to your air conditioner's longevity is a snug-fitting cover that you can put on the unit during the coldest months of the year while the unit is not in operation. A cover will not only prevent debris from getting into the unit itself, but will also protect the unit from damage caused by extreme temperatures, rust, and corrosion.

Shut Off the Power Supply

Since you won't be using your air conditioning unit again until the spring, it's not a bad idea to cut the power to the unit itself by shutting off its power supply. For most AC units, this can be done by removing the plastic or metal lid on the unit and simply flipping the power supply switch. 

Schedule Your Spring Tune-Up Now

Having your AC inspected and tuned-up before you use it again is always a good idea, but for many HVAC companies, appointments for inspections fill up quickly. It's never too early to schedule, so why not get your appointment secured as you're preparing to winterize? It'll be one less thing to worry about come spring time. You can reach out to companies like Hospitality heating and air conditioning Inc to learn more.

A little bit of preparation goes a long way in prolonging the life of your central AC unit, so be sure to follow these steps to winterize yours before cold temperatures strike.