How to Winter Prep Your Outside AC Unit

Fall is right around the corner, and in Ohio, that means winter isn’t far behind. Pretty soon the temperature will start to drop and we’ll inside enjoying our freshly cleaned air ducts as they push the heat throughout the house. Before that happens, we want to make sure we don’t forget about our AC system! 

These are some basic DIY air conditioning maintenance tips that can help extend the lifespan of your unit and protect it over the winter. Although these can be useful, they are not a full replacement of a full bi-annual HVAC inspection for maintenance.

If you’d like for a GMC Heating and Cooling technician to inspect your system and ensure that it is properly taken care of before every season change, ask our office about our Preventative Maintenance program by giving us a call at (330) 484-4328

Turn off the power to your A/C unit. 

The exterior power circuit is in a small box mounted to the side of your home. Simply lift the metal or plastic cover to find the switch, which might be red. Flip the switch to the “Off” position and close the lid. Turning off the A/C prevents the risk of electrocution as you perform maintenance tasks. It keeps the A/C from turning on during an unseasonable warm day, as well as keep out water that could freeze and damage the condensing unit.

Clean the A/C unit. 

Use a broom to sweep off leaves, twigs and other debris on and surrounding the A/C. Then use a hose to wash off dirt, dust and bird droppings. Then allow the unit to dry. Cleaning the air conditioner prevents it from getting clogged and breaking down when you use it during the spring and summer.

Inspect the A/C unit. 

Look for cracks and rust in the casing, as well as leaks and other irregularities. Make sure the seals are tight and not cracked. While these issues may seem benign, they may cause major problems in the future. If you find any of these issues during your air conditioner maintenance, contact a licensed HVAC contractor, such as GMC Heating and Cooling.