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The winter months in Hawaii can get fairly cool, so many homeowners may not run the air conditioner for a few months. Though it’s usually fine to leave it off for short periods, leaving your AC dormant for weeks comes with a few potential risks. Here’s what you should know about leaving your system off and what types of AC maintenance can help you prevent issues.

What Happens When You Don’t Run Your AC?

You shouldn’t experience any issues if your system is on a regular maintenance schedule and you only leave it off for a few days at a time. However, leaving it dormant for months can allow dust and mold to build up in the coils and vents, which can dramatically reduce indoor air quality.

Additionally, if your system had a small issue like a leak at the end of the warm season, it’s likely to get worse over the winter since the coolant can continue to leak without you noticing. This can leave you scrambling to find the source of the problem once the weather heats up again.

How Often Should You Run Your AC During the Winter?

ac maintenanceTo avoid these issues, run your AC regularly during the winter, even if it’s not necessarily needed for cooling purposes. If possible, run it once a day for a few minutes. In addition to keeping your system in working order, running it can also reduce humidity and improve the air quality in your home.

What Type of AC Maintenance Will Keep Your AC Running Smoothly?

If you were unable to run your system regularly throughout the winter, have a professional AC maintenance company inspect it to make sure there are no issues. You should also check the area around your compressor unit and clear away any debris that could damage it before turning it on. Use the fan mode for a few minutes to remove dust before starting up the full cooling system.

 

If you need AC maintenance when starting your unit up again this spring, contact Air Conditioning Unlimited. Serving all of Oahu for more than 20 years, the air conditioning contractor maintains and installs both residential and commercial HVAC systems to ensure you stay comfortable throughout all of Hawaii’s seasons. Contact the team online or call (808) 455-3128 to request an appointment.

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