As winter months approach, you'll want to include a bit of off-season maintenance for your outside A/C condensing unit. Though you may be tempted to let the condenser sit uncovered through the winter, a little preventative maintenance will provide some basic protection for the unit.
First, make sure to turn off the power to your A/C. Most central air conditioners include a heating component that vaporizes refrigerant. Leaving the power on can allow this element to run all winter. This unnecessary work for the equipment wastes energy and money, plus it wears out the heater faster. In order to turn off the power, locate the breaker on your electrical panel. Turn the correct switch to the off position. If your unit has an outdoor shutoff, make sure it's in the "off" position. Also, be certain to open the duct damper on your humidifier.
Wrapping your air conditioner or draping it with a tarp is not a good idea, unless the cover is custom-made for this function with openings for ventilation. In an unventilated cover, moisture can become trapped under the tarp causing the unit to rust. You may also end up with rodents or other critters who are seeking shelter from the cold. A great solution for winter protection is to simply place a sturdy piece of plywood on top of the fan guard. You can weigh down the plywood with a couple of bricks.
If you spend a little bit of time getting ready for winter, you can feel more confident your A/C unit will work well when the weather warms up. Hartman Brothers Heating & Air Conditioning has been serving the Fort Wayne area since 1963. For more information about preparing your air conditioner for the winter, please contact us today.
Our goal is to help educate our customers in New Haven, Indiana and surrounding Fort Wayne area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about A/C protection and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
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