Winterize Your Air Conditioner in 3 Easy Steps

Fall is the perfect time to complete winter prep maintenance tasks, because the weather is still nice. Even though October is looking to be a warmer month, it’s not a bad idea to start thinking about when and how you’re going to winterize your air conditioner. We had a pretty toasty summer, but hopefully, your air conditioner was up for the task and kept you cool all summer long. If you want your system to continue to do so, you’ll want to ensure its safety during the brutal winter months. The last thing you want is to turn on your A/C next summer, only to find that it’s blowing out warm air.

We’ve got a step-by-step guide for how to winterize your air conditioner so that you can have peace of mind your system will be ready for you when the heat picks up again next spring.

1. Turn off Power to the Unit

Before tackling any maintenance, you’ll want to shut off the circuit. This is an especially important task as it will prevent someone from accidentally turning it on during the winter.  When turned on, your A/C will use water to help create cool air, and if the temperatures are freezing, it could potentially damage your system.

2. Clean the Unit’s Exterior

Remove any debris from inside and around the unit. This includes twigs, leaves, dirt, dust, and trash. If it’s not a part of the unit, it shouldn’t be there! If you have any plants or trees that are near the unit, go ahead and trim them. Twigs and leaves are appealing to small critters because they scream “Nest in me!” So, be sure to thoroughly clear your unit of anything that could attract small animals.

To clean the fan blades and condensing coils, use a high pressure hose. This will help you get rid of the things you can’t reach, like dirt and bugs.

3. Cover the Top of the Unit

We recommend getting a large square piece of plywood and setting it on top of the system. To keep it in place, you can use a large brick or rock; whatever you choose, make sure it’s sturdy. This will keep snow, leaves, and twigs from falling on top of your unit.

There’s really no need to fully cover/wrap your unit because doing so would trap unwanted things inside the unit, like moisture, condensation, and any remaining debris.

See – winterizing your air conditioner isn’t so bad! The task is fairly easy, and should take no longer than 30 minutes.  This simple task can have serious long-term benefits, so don’t forgo it.

For information or assistance with HVAC efficiency, give Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning a call at 405-794-8900.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ to learn more about maintaining a safe and energy-efficient home. Don’t forget to schedule your fall furnace tune-up for the upcoming cold season. Schedule service online or give us a call!