Four Tips to Help Your A/C Last Through Winter

With the weather turning, it is time to throw out summer and say hello to winter by shutting down a/c units and turning up the heater. Along with winter come some harsh elements that can do damage to your a/c unit, which is why it’s important to properly prep your unit for the winter season. Here are 4 tips to help your a/c last through winter.

Old leaves and branches often find their way around air conditioning units. Make sure to clear this debris away before winter. Debris not only adds unwanted moisture, but it also can cause mold or freeze when the weather gets cold. If the debris gets inside your system, it can even affect the air conditioner’s heat exchange and cause further damage. Clearing away debris is a simple but necessary step to helping your a/c last through winter.

Once you have removed all of the dirt and debris from on and around your unit, you should then clean it. Cleaning off your unit with a high-pressure hose ensures that it is free of any dirt that has settled into the system. However, along with cleaning your unit, make sure to dry it. Drying your unit thoroughly well help prevent any freezing damage. Starting off the winter with a clean and dry air conditioning unit gives it an edge to last through the colder season.

After your a/c has been adequately cleaned and shut down, it’s a good idea to cover it then up. Covering your unit for the winter helps hold off winter elements, prevent freezing, and keep dirt and debris away. Just make sure that your cover has some breathing room. This prevents moistures from building up and freezing when there is a drop in temperature.

Don’t let your air conditioner go unnoticed throughout the winter. Just because you’re not using it doesn’t mean that it no longer needs maintenance. Keep an eye on it throughout the winter for any water, snow, or ice buildup. This puts a strain on your system and increases the likelihood of damage occurring.

Adequately preparing your air conditioner for winter can help prevent unnecessary damage. Before winter, make sure to clear the debris, clean and dry your unit, cover it up properly, and maintain it. By using these seasonal a/c shutdown tips, you should have little trouble protecting your unit this winter. If you have questions about how to properly shut down your air conditioning unit, or on any other professional HVAC services, contact Great Dane Heating and Air Conditioning. We know how important it is to maintain your units throughout the cold season. To properly prep for winter, contact us at 866-488-DANE.