What Should You Do to Prepare Your AC for Winter?

With cooler winter temperatures rolling in, your air conditioning unit is probably the last thing on your mind—but that shouldn’t be the case. Air conditioning care in Mabank, TX is a year-round activity if you want to enjoy the benefits of a properly-functioning and energy-efficient unit. This post will teach you how you can prepare your AC to last through the winter:

• Turn off the power: Since you probably won’t need your AC for the next few months, it’s a good idea to shut off the power to the unit. Flipping the switch on your exterior power circuit prevents your AC from automatically turning on during an unseasonably warm day, and also prevents the chance of electrocution as you perform the following maintenance tasks.
• Clean it up: A dirty air conditioner is more likely to clog up and break down when it’s running in the spring and summer. Even though you won’t be using your AC this winter, it’s a good idea to sweep up any debris from around the base and hose off any dirt from the unit itself. This is a simple step, but it’s vital for AC winterization in Mabank, TX. Continue to sweep up debris from around its base throughout the season.
• Perform an inspection: While you’re hosing off your AC, check for any cracks or rust on the casing. Though these flaws may seem merely cosmetic, they can lead to problems down the road. If you’re able to spot irregularities early, an HVAC contractor can fix the problem before it gets out of hand.
• Cover the unit: A waterproof cover protects your air conditioner from the elements throughout the winter while adding some much-needed insulation. You can find covers made specifically for AC units at a hardware store, or you can make your own using a tarp and a bungee cord. Be sure to dump any standing water off of the cover as it accumulates, as that water can cause damage to the casing throughout the winter.
• Add some insulation: Your AC cover will protect the unit itself from the elements, but it won’t do much for the pipes and wiring. It might not get that cold this winter, but proper air conditioning care in Mabank, TX should include wrapping any exposed electrical components in pipe foam. The foam only costs a few bucks, and putting it on takes less than five minutes—there’s no reason not to do it!
• Call a professional: Your AC should have an annual inspection and tune-up for a variety of reasons. Though we typically advise having one performed in the spring, it can’t hurt to hire an HVAC pro for a maintenance call today! On top of performing all of the regular maintenance duties, your HVAC technician will ensure that your unit is all squared away for the winter.

Don’t get caught off guard with a broken air conditioner when you try to turn it on again next spring. Instead, call the team at Ken’s Comfort Zone Air Conditioning to schedule AC winterization in Mabank, TX! We’ll send someone out right away to clean and inspect your unit to ensure it’s safe for the winter and will work just fine in the spring.

Categorised in: AC Repair

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