How to Take Care of Your AC During the Colder Months
As you transition from the warm days of summer to the chillier months, it’s easy to shift your focus away from your air conditioning unit. However, preparing your AC for winter is crucial for its longevity and efficiency when the temperatures rise again. In this post, we share essential steps to safeguard your AC during the colder months.
Keep Your Filters Clean
Whether it’s the peak of summer or winter, maintaining clean air filters is a year-round necessity. Dirty filters not only impede your AC unit’s efficiency but also lead to costly repairs. Regularly checking and replacing or cleaning your air filters ensures your system runs smoothly, regardless of whether it’s in use or not.
Seal and Insulate Appropriately
If you have a window AC unit, it’s particularly vulnerable to the elements and potential energy losses. Ensuring tight seals around both the window and the unit can prevent air leaks, keeping your home energy efficient. This step is especially important in winter when temperatures drop, which can lead to increased heating bills or even the need to consider a new furnace cost if your system gets overworked.
Maintain the Outdoor Unit
The outdoor component of your AC system is exposed to the elements year-round. Removing any debris, leaves, or snow that accumulates around your unit is vital to maintain airflow and prevent blockages.
Cover Your Unit
Covering your outdoor AC unit during winter can protect it from harsh weather and debris. However, it’s essential to choose a cover that allows for adequate airflow to prevent condensation and potential corrosion. For window units, removing and storing them can further protect the unit and help with home insulation. Additionally, if you’re considering a heating upgrade, installing a high efficiency furnace can significantly improve your home’s energy efficiency during the colder months.
Schedule Professional Maintenance
Taking advantage of maintenance plans offered by local HVAC companies is highly beneficial. These plans often include pre-winter inspections where a technician can spot potential issues before they become major problems. A professional can provide recommendations tailored to your climate, ensuring your AC is ready for winter and set for the following summer.
Countryside Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can handle the routine maintenance of your AC unit so that it remains dependable when you need it most. If you need an emergency plumber, we have a crew that’s ready to respond promptly. Call us at (715) 246-2660 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.
