During the winter months, you likely won’t need to run your air conditioner very often—if at all. However, it’s still important to winterize your cooling unit so it doesn’t develop problems that prevent it from blowing cool air once the weather gets warm again. Here are the tasks HVAC contractors recommend to get your AC system ready for the cold season.

4 Tips on Winterizing Your Air Conditioner

1. Clean It 

Remove dirt, algae, and leafy debris from your outdoor unit prior to winter. This will prevent impurities from settling into the mechanical components and corroding them and save you from the need for repairs from an HVAC contractor. Add an extra layer of protection by spraying the condenser unit with an anti-rust solution. 

2. Remove Obstructions 

If you have central air with an outdoor AC condenser, leave at least 3 feet of space around it so that air can ventilate properly. This includes pruning overgrown bushes, raking leaves away regularly, and remembering not to park lawn equipment or bicycles too close. 

3. Cover It 

Cover the top of your outdoor unit with a roof or awning to prevent hail, icicles, and tree debris from damaging your condenser fins. Be sure to only cover the top portion, however, rather than enclosing the unit—this will prevent excess moisture from building up inside and causing mold or rust deposits. 

4. Shut It Down 

Since you won’t need to use your air conditioner during the cold season, shut it completely off. Set the AC breaker switch to the “off” position to prevent the system from running unexpectedly and driving up your energy bills. 

Keep your air conditioner and furnace in excellent condition year-round with help from the team at Parker’s Heating & Cooling, Inc. For over 25 years, this HVAC service company has provided heating installations, furnace repairs, and commercial refrigeration equipment to clients throughout Cairo, GA. Call (229) 377-9129 to get a quote on a heating installation and book an appointment. Visit the HVAC contractors online to learn more about maintenance plans and financing opportunities.