By Alicia Rennoll
Protecting Your AC Unit During Winter
Winter has well and truly arrived and it’s important Washington County residents take steps to protect their home air conditioning units from the harsher weather. Regular AC maintenance helps homeowners save up to 30% on their energy bills by preventing breakages and boosting efficiency, the U.S. Department of Energy reveals. Winter weather conditions, including rain, snow, and below-freezing temperatures is damaging to units. However, by doing simple preventative maintenance, Washington County residents can avoid minor and major repairs next spring and, ultimately, prolong the life of their systems.
Clean the condenser unit
When cleaning your condenser unit, you main job is to clean the fins: the small, metallic blades encasing the unit. The central fan sucks air through them, leaving them covered in dust and debris and impeding the unit’s cooling ability. Before you start, turn the power off at either the outdoor shutoff nearby or the main electrical panel. You can then vacuum debris from the exterior fins with a soft brush attachment. Next, unscrew the top grill and remove the fan — be careful not to pull out any of the electrical wires. Get rid of any debris from the interior and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Spray the fins from the inside out with a garden hose before replacing the fan and grill.
Change the air filter
It’s important to change your air filters regularly to keep your air conditioner in good condition. Air filters keep dust and dirt out of your unit, but get clogged over time — causing the unit to break down quicker. First off, locate your air filter — it’ll either be in the return air duct or in or near the blower system for the furnace (this is likely if your heating and air conditioning systems share the same ducts). Always turn off the power before changing the filter (the switch will either be at the unit or the circuit breaker). Then simply slide out the filter from its slot. If it’s reusable, you can clean the filter according to manufacturer’s instructions. If it’s disposable, simply replace the filter with a new one.
Cover the unit
Placing a specially-made cover over the AC unit provides essential insulation over winter to provide protection from weather and debris and prevent cracking. Make sure the cover isn’t too tight, so air can ventilate and prevent rusting. Alternatively, you can make do with a simple waterproof tarp. Secure it around your AC unit with rope to ensure it stays in place in bad weather. Or you could cut a plywood sheet to fit over the top of your unit while making sure there’s enough overhang to cover the sides. Rest a heavy rock on top to keep it in place.
It’s important to check the unit at least once a week throughout the winter. Remove any debris, water, snow, or ice that may collect on it. Doing so will minimize the need for repairs and extend the life of your unit.