How To Winterize Your Air Conditioner
When the winter months roll around, you may want to just forget about your air conditioner, but it’s important to care for this system even when you’re not using it. Winterizing your HVAC unit is important for protecting it from snow and ice. It also prevents damage from rust or wildlife nesting inside mechanical parts to stay warm during the winter. Ask us about our heating and cooling maintenance plans to get your HVAC system winter-ready.
Have any questions? Contact the HVAC experts at Dominion Service Company.
Why You Should Winterize an Air Conditioner
Winterizing your air conditioner is important for protecting your system from harsh weather, ice, and rust damage. It also ensures your system is ready to go when winter ends and the summer creeps in. Benefits of winterizing your AC include:
- Prevents debris buildup
- Prevents moisture buildup
- Prevents pest infestation
- Saves energy and reduces utility costs
- Keeps your system in prime condition for the next cooling system
Steps to winterize your air conditioner include:
- Turn off your air conditioner: Turn off your AC and locate the electrical circuit to cut the power supply. This prevents your unit from automatically turning on if there’s a warm winter day. It also helps to keep water out of the unit, which could freeze and cause damage.
- Keep your AC unit clean: Remove any debris such as leaves, twigs, or grass, and use a hose to rinse out your outdoor AC unit. Then allow the unit to air dry completely. During the winter, be sure to regularly remove snow, ice, and debris from on and around the outdoor unit.
- Check the insulation: Checking the pipe covers is important for protecting your air conditioner pipes from the winter cold. Ensure the pipe covers are in good condition and no copper tubing is exposed.
- Cover your AC unit: This step is optional but great for providing an extra layer of protection from the elements. If you do cover your unit, make sure the covering is breathable to keep out debris while preventing mold growth.
How To Prep Your HVAC System for Winter
It’s also important to prep your furnace or heat pump to ensure your heating system works well through the winter.
Steps include:
- Change the filter: Changing the air filter in your indoor unit helps improve the indoor air quality and system efficiency.
- Turn on the heat: It’s important to check your heating system before the cold hits to ensure it’s working properly. That way you don’t need to worry when you actually need the system to keep you warm.
- Inspect your system: Check to ensure vents aren’t blocked, inspect components for wear and tear, remove any debris or clutter from around the outside units, and ensure your thermostat works properly.
- Schedule professional maintenance: Routine maintenance performed by an HVAC professional improves the performance, energy efficiency, and longevity of any HVAC system. Maintenance performed before winter arrives allows technicians to check and care for each component of your heating system. It also allows them to spot and fix any minor issues to prevent breakdowns from occurring.
When Should You Start Winterizing Your System
Early fall is the best time to prep your HVAC system in southeast Michigan. It’s still warm enough to be outside prepping your outdoor unit, and it gives you ample time to winterize your air conditioner and prep your heating system before it starts to get too cold.
Depend On Dominion Heating & Air Conditioning
Dominion Service Company is proud to serve Brighton, Michigan, with the highest-quality heating and cooling services. No matter what you need, our technicians work hard to ensure you’re 100% satisfied with every job we do. Whether you need HVAC services or help to winterize your AC before the cold hits, our team is here for you.
Contact Dominion Service Company to schedule services today.
