During the winter, protecting your property’s technology and appliances is crucial, as the cold weather can take a toll on them. For example, your air conditioner is one of the most vital appliances in your home, so you must take steps to protect it so that it can continue functioning effectively throughout the rest of the year.
This article discusses how to protect your AC unit in winter so you can prevent costly repairs or replacements down the line. For extra AC system help, rely on the expertise of Farmingham’s reliable air conditioning service from Pro Comfort Control!
1. Change the Air Filters Regularly
One of the best things you can do to protect your AC unit during the winter is to change the air filters regularly. As air filters clean the air, they accumulate dust and dirt over time, which can cause them to block the flow of air to the unit and prevent it from functioning correctly. If you change your air filters every month or two, you can ensure your unit is clean and fully functional throughout the winter months.
You can usually find the filters for the unit behind the registers in each room. All you need to do is replace the old filter with a new one. This strategy will significantly improve the unit’s performance and help keep it running smoothly throughout the winter.
Changing the filters can also improve the unit’s efficiency by reducing the amount of energy it uses, making this strategy rewarding at any time of year.
2. Disable Power to the AC Unit
Although many homeowners prefer to keep the power running to their units during the cold winter, you should disable power to prevent damage when the temperature drops below freezing. This practice prevents the unit from freezing and ensures it won’t malfunction or break down due to extreme temperatures.
If your unit freezes, it can stop working entirely and may require expensive repairs or a complete replacement. Disabling the power is a simple process that only takes a few minutes to perform, but it can save you a great deal of money in the long run by protecting your unit and avoiding the need for costly repairs down the road.
3. Monitor the Buildup of Ice and Snow Around the Unit
Another important tip for learning how to protect your AC unit in winter is to monitor the amount of snow and ice around the unit. If the snow or ice accumulates too much, it can interfere with the unit’s operation and cause it to freeze.
Excessive ice and snow can also lead to leaks in the unit and cause severe damage if left untreated. Fortunately, homeowners can quickly address this issue by shoveling away any snow or ice from the AC system regularly.
4. Consider a Cover for Your Unit
Many people enclose their outdoor units with a cover to protect them from the elements during the winter months. This option can be particularly beneficial if your unit is in an area with a lot of winter snow.
A cover helps reduce the amount of snow buildup on the unit and prevents the condenser coils from freezing, reducing the potential for damage and breakdowns while improving the unit’s overall efficiency. In addition, many manufacturers offer covers designed specifically for outdoor units and can help you choose the right cover to meet your needs and budget.
5. Schedule Regular Maintenance and Inspections During the Winter Season
As harsh winter weather approaches, it’s a good idea to begin scheduling regular maintenance and repairs for your air conditioning unit to ensure it’s in good working order for the upcoming season. Outdoor units are complex and require specialized knowledge to diagnose and repair problems. Working with a trusted provider of AC maintenance services can help make sure your unit is in the best possible condition for the winter and minimize the risk of damage from extreme winter weather.
Schedule Winter Maintenance Services for Your AC Unit Today
Now that you know how to protect your AC unit in winter, it’s time to take action and prevent mold growth and damage to your unit during the cold winter months. At Pro Comfort Control, we provide high-quality AC maintenance services to help keep your unit running smoothly year-round.
If you need help winterizing your AC system this year, call our experts at Pro Comfort Control at 508-684-5368 today. Let’s get your air conditioner ready for winter!
