The cold weather and its effects can wreak havoc on your AC unit if you’re not careful to protect it. The best way to ensure that your HVAC units both survive the winter is to follow the steps below to winterize your AC. By protecting your HVAC units against the cold, they will be in top working condition for the warmer weather that Alabama is known for.
Remove debris from around the unit
Before the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it is a good idea to clean up your outdoor HVAC unit. Remove sticks, twigs, grass, and other debris that could obstruct the unit. Additionally, clean the fins and coils of the unit. This will allow for max efficiency and prevent freezing weather from locking in dirt and debris.
Insulate exposed pipes
Exposed pipes are vulnerable to the cold weather and can freeze if the temperature drops. In order to insulate outdoor pipes, cover/wrap them with foam rubber, fiberglass, or any other recommended insulants. It might seem inconvenient, but insulating these pipes can prevent you from the headache of frozen, damaged pipes.
Regularly clean ice and snow off unit
This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s important to clean off frozen ice and snow from an outdoor unit to prevent it from being totally obstructed. Brush off snow and carefully scrape ice from the unit. Some experts suggest covering the unit entirely to keep it safe from the elements, but others recommend keeping it uncovered to prevent any rodents or small animals from making a home under the cover.
Change the air filter
Changing the air filters of your HVAC system is basic maintenance, but it is also especially important for winterizing your AC. Maximized airflow is essential during the winter months, especially since energy bills will already be high for heating costs. Clean air filters allow efficient airflow and keep the conditioned air from being musty or stagnant.
Seal air leaks
Another way to optimize your AC system for the winter time is to make sure that all potential air leaks are sealed. Gaps under doors, faulty ductwork, vent leaks, or other issues could allow conditioned air to escape or cold outside air to get inside. This will compromise the efficiency of your HVAC system and waste energy, leading to a higher energy bill. Seal all potential air leaks in order to keep warm air in and cold air out.
Schedule routine maintenance with Long Heating and Cooling
The key to maintaining an AC unit throughout the winter is not just winterization, but also regular checks to prevent issues in the first place. Routine air conditioner maintenance is perhaps the most important step for extending an air conditioner’s life. An experienced technician performing routine checks can catch any problems that would cause major damage to the unit. Long Heating and Cooling is known for award-winning, expert HVAC service in Dothan, Alabama. To schedule routine maintenance, call 334-790-0977 or click here to book online.