Now that the fall season has arrived, your home's air conditioner is likely the last thing you are thinking about. However, it's important you take steps each fall to proactively protect your home's air conditioner from damage during winter storms. By taking these steps now, you will ensure your air conditioner is ready to get back to its job of cooling your home on the first hot day next spring.
If you haven't ever winterized your air conditioning system, then follow these simple steps to do so this year:
Step 1: Turn Off the Power to the Outdoor Condenser Unit
Your air conditioner's condenser is the large square unit sitting outdoors. The condenser unit has its own power supply and it should be turned off for the winter. This will prevent the unit from pulling any power or having issues caused by winter lightning storms.
Step 2: Hose Off the Condenser Unit to Remove Any Dirt or Grime
Since your air conditioner's condenser unit is designed to live safely outdoors, you can wash it off with your garden hose without damaging anything.
Wait for a warm, sunny fall day and hose off the condenser unit to remove any dirt, grime, or leaves stuck in its protective metal cover. When washing, make sure you use a garden hose and avoid using a pressure washer because high-pressure water could potentially do some damage.
Once cleaned, allow the air compressor to thoroughly dry in the sun.
Step 3: Remove Any Weeds or Other Vegetation Near the Compressor Unit
Since leaves and weeds will blow around during winter storms and can work their way into the protective metal cage surrounding the air compressor, it's important to remove any vegetative matter near the unit. Leaves shed from your trees should be raked and bagged, and all of the weeds near the air compressor should be pulled out and disposed of.
Step 4: Cover the Clean, Dry Air Compressor Unit with a Cover or Tarp
Finally, to protect the air compressor from storm damage and all of the leaves that blow around in the fall, cover the unit using either a special air compressor cover or a tarp. You can purchase a canvas tarp at your local hardware store that will do the job perfectly fine. Wrap the entire unit tightly in the tarp or cover and then place a piece of plywood on top to hold it in place throughout the winter season.
Share14 October 2019
Last summer, I began to get extremely hot in my home. My air conditioning system couldn’t adequately keep my home cool anymore. Therefore, I contacted an experienced HVAC contractor. This individual visited my home and thoroughly inspected my unit. If your air conditioner isn’t working like it once did, your air ducts may be clogged up. Thankfully, an expert HVAC contractor can determine if faulty air ducts are the cause of the hot temperatures inside your home. On this blog, you will discover how an HVAC contractor can properly inspect your air ducts. Stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months!