Your AC unit has likely been running all summer to keep you cool and comfortable indoors. However, once the temperatures start to drop, you should protect your HVAC system and prepare it for the fall. Doing so will ensure peak efficiency, and save you from inconvenient and costly issues in the future. Below are a few strategies to help you do this.

How to Get Your AC Unit Ready for Winter

1. Change the Air Filter

Generally, you should clean or replace your AC unit’s air filter every three months. Tackling this chore when the seasons change is an easy way to remember to do it. A fresh air filter allows clean air into your HVAC system, ensuring it stays efficient and improving the indoor quality of the home. 

2. Remove Debris

Another essential maintenance task is clearing any debris around the outdoor condenser unit. There should be at least two feet of clear space around the unit to ensure it can receive sufficient airflow. Remove all vegetation and debris that has grown close during the summer, and check it for leaf accumulation throughout the fall. 

3. Clean Vents

Over time, dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens can build up on the vents in your home, contributing to respiratory discomfort and causing excess dust on surfaces. As you prepare the AC unit, clean the vents with a vacuum and dust cloth. You should also clean the outdoor AC unit with a hose to remove any dirt buildup on the evaporator and condenser coils. 

4. Turn the Unit Off

Accidentally turning on the AC unit during the winter can lead to costly damage, especially if the coils are frozen. To keep this from happening, when the cooling season ends, turn off the condenser unit for the winter. Look for the shutoff box on the exterior of the outdoor unit. If you cannot find this, flip the switch in your breaker box that powers the unit. Don’t forget to turn the condenser back on in the spring before running the air conditioning.

Another key task for getting your AC unit ready for fall is a professional inspection and maintenance appointment. To ensure that your HVAC system is running properly and stays efficient all year, turn to Crescenze Cooling & Heating in Massillon, OH. This Carrier CFAD dealer has been serving residential and commercial clients across Stark County for over 15 years, providing installations, maintenance, and emergency repairs. Visit them online to learn more about how they can keep your system in top condition. Call (330) 830-0800 to make an appointment for service.