Top 10 Reasons to Take Care of Your AC Unit During the Winter Months

In order to keep your air conditioning unit operating at peak performance, you will need to properly take care of the unit even when it is not in use. Here are ten compelling reasons that should motivate you to maintain your AC unit despite the cold weather!

1. To protect your AC unit from the elements. A simple cleaning of the outside condenser unit and coil will minimize the need for a more tedious cleaning in the spring. Don’t let this summer’s dust, debris and lint stick around until you’re ready to turn the unit on next year.

2. To keep out critters. During the long, cold winter months, animals such as rabbits, chipmunks and field mice look for a cozy place to build nests. If you haven’t covered your AC unit with a breathable cover, you may need an air conditioning service call in the spring to remove nests and ensure there are no small animals hidden inside the condenser or coil. In some cases, rodents have taken up residence in AC units, chewing through hoses and destroying parts.

3. To be prepared for warm weather. Don’t tell yourself that you can wait until next year to install a new filter. If you have a heat wave earlier than you anticipated, you’ll probably switch your AC unit on without thinking about the filter. It’s less work to have a new filter in place, and you’ll have cleaner, fresher air.

4. To reduce the likelihood of an air conditioning service call. Sometimes you’ll need an HVAC to come out to inspect and clean your AC unit, but that’s no reason to neglect your own maintenance. A quick cleaning and a new filter before the snow falls, minimizes the chances you’ll facing any service issues the following year.

5. To reduce the cost of a maintenance call. Air conditioning installation specialists and manufacturers recommend having all AC units inspected and tuned once or twice a year by an HVAC professional. If you’ve done your own winterizing, you’ll save money when you schedule an inspection as less time will be needed in cleaning your unit.

6. To save money on supplies. When you buy your air conditioning filter, make sure to stock up. Many stores significantly reduce the cost of AC filters in the fall because they don’t sell quickly. If you change filters every thirty days in warmer months, the savings can add up significantly.

7. To prevent accidents. Although your AC unit may be “out of sight and out of mind” when using your furnace, there is still potential it could accidentally kick on. To prevent the unit from overheating while covered, turn off the disconnect switch. This way, you’ll be reminded to schedule an air conditioning service call to check for damage or problems before switching it back on.

8. To keep your AC unit looking its best. Because AC condensers are bulky and rather large, it’s difficult to miss them. Properly cleaning it before winter sets in, will keep the unit looking its best. To keep it rust-free, hose it down and carefully dry before covering for the season.

9. To prolong the life and performance of your AC. Studies show that proper, year-round care of heating and air conditioning units can significantly increase their longevity. If you’ve invested thousands of dollars in your air conditioning system, taking a few minutes to care for it before winter starts is an easy way to keep it running smoothly for years to come. Just like an auto tune-up keeps your car running smoothly, proper winter care means your AC will run more smoothly and give you better performance.

10. To keep your energy costs lower. Debris, rust, clogged filters and damaged parts all contribute to higher energy costs. If you find yourself paying high electric bills to keep your air conditioning running, you may want to start taking better care of it when it’s not in use.

So there you have it. The 10 most important reasons to winterize your air conditioning unit. And remember, if you have any questions or concerns, it is best to call a local service repair technician. If you are in California or Nevada and need help, feel free to call our air conditioner repair experts!