How to Winter Prep Your Outside AC Unit
Now that it is officially Fall, winter is right around the corner. Pretty soon the temperature will start to drop and GMC Heating and Cooling technicians will be making their rounds across Stark County doing preventative maintenance on furnaces. Before that happens, we want to make sure we don’t forget about your outside Air Conditioning system!
Below, we’ve put together a list of 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 for a full bi-annual HVAC inspection for maintenance.
Turn off the power to your A/C unit.
The exterior power circuit should be 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.
Clean the A/C unit.
Use a broom to sweep off leaves, twigs, and other debris that have built up on the A/C over the summer. Use a hose to wash off any dirt, dust, or other debris. 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.
These DIY maintenance tips can help you extend the lifespan of your unit if done correctly. If you’d like for a GMC Heating and Cooling HVAC professional 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
